Thomas is expected to help the defensive line offset the loss of Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was traded in March to the Indianapolis Colts. That could help take at least some of the pressure off rookie Javon Kinlaw, who was drafted to replace Buckner.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Thomas is prepared to fill in for the loss. That could mean more snaps along the interior of the defensive line, a position many felt was a more natural fit for Thomas from the start.
General manager John Lynch said last week that Thomas is expected to report to the team a bit heftier than last year.
"We've kind of charged him with putting a little weight on," Lynch added. "Last year, he got really light, which helped in his quickness, 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."
Even though Kinlaw was drafted to fill that Buckner role, Lynch and the 49ers expect Thomas to be a significant part of the defensive rotation.
"We brought in Kinlaw, but everybody who's watched us knows we rotate a lot of players there," Lynch added. "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."
Thomas was the first player drafted during Lynch's and head coach Kyle Shanahan's regime. The two made the defensive lineman the No. 3 overall pick in 2017.
Thomas recorded a career-low 21 tackles and just two sacks through 16 games and three starts last year. He also added four tackles and a sack during the playoffs.
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