Deadlines do indeed spur action.
A growing worry over Solomon Thomas' contract situation was quelled on Friday when the San Francisco 49ers first-round pick signed his rookie deal. This year's third-overall pick made the deal official as the 49ers were beginning their first practice of camp.
After putting pen to paper, Thomas ran down to the locker room to change and then joined his teammates on the field.
"It was amazing to get out there Day 1 and be with my team," Thomas said.
John Lynch told reporters on Thursday that he was hopeful a deal would be in place by the weekend. Thomas held onto the same hopes. He spent arrival day just up the road at his alma mater Stanford, waiting idly to get the phone call from his agent.
"I trusted him to get it done as quick as possible," Thomas said. "He knew I wanted to be out here as fast as possible. He knows me and knows I'm a team guy."
Thomas is represented by Tom Condon, the same agent of Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Joey Bosa. The Chargers pass-rusher endured a lengthy holdout that nearly bled into the regular season. Thomas never feared the potential of a similar situation occurring for him.
"I wasn't concerned at all," Thomas said. "He knew how fast I wanted to get out there. He knows I didn't want to be by myself for another month."
It's been well-documented at this point that Thomas was unable to participate in nearly the entire offseason program. Even so, the rookie has already picked up on the positive vibes coursing through the 49ers locker room.
"Everyone is hungry," Thomas said. "Everyone wants to get out there and rebuild this team and reestablish this team. The energy is great."
During his time away, Thomas worked with NFL legends DeMarcus Ware and Warren Sapp. He also poured into his digital playbook each day when new practice film became available. The NFL's CBA limited his contact with San Francisco's coaching staff, but Thomas still feels confident in his knowledge of the installs.
He will join DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead as a triumvirate of first-round picks on the 49ers defensive line. The three linemen have had conversations about the potential of their position group.
"We've talked about how everyone on this d-line is special," Thomas said. "We have an amazing defensive line."
Thomas expects to spend most of his time working at the big end position while pass-rushing from the three-technique in nickel situations. After completing the team's conditioning test on Friday, the interior pass-rusher is eager to be a full participant at Saturday's practice.
"He's a guy I believe is in shape, Shanahan said. "When I talk to (strength and conditioning coach) Ray (Wright), I think he'll confirm that and I expect to see him out there tomorrow."
