The San Francisco 49ers are declining to execute the fifth-year option for defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The #49ers are declining the fifth-year option on DL Solomon Thomas, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2020
Thomas, 24, is entering his fourth NFL season.
"I don't think [potentially not executing the option is] any absolute," general manager John Lynch shared on Thursday, "or it doesn't mean that we don't love Solomon. I think we're incredibly encouraged. Solomon's going to be a big part (of our defense).
"We brought in (Javon) Kinlaw, but everybody who's watched us knows we rotate a lot of players there. We believe in going as hard as they can, and then we'll rotate, kind of like hockey lines. Solomon's going to be a big part of that rotation."
Lynch noted that the 49ers declined the fifth-year option for guard Laken Tomlinson in 2018, and then later signed him to a three-year extension. Something similar could be an option for Thomas, as well.
The 49ers made Thomas the No. 3 overall selection in 2017 after playing college football at Stanford. He registered 21 combined tackles and two sacks through 16 games and three starts with the 49ers in 2019.
Lynch also noted that Thomas is working this offseason to add some weight.
"Last year, he got really light, which helped in his quickness," he said, "but I don't know if he had enough substance, just in terms of weight. So, he's going to come back a little heavier."
Thomas has recorded 93 combined tackles and six sacks through his three NFL seasons. His best statistical season came during his rookie campaign in 2017 when he recorded career highs in tackles (41) and sacks (three).
