The Dallas Cowboys made a string of under-the-radar signings throughout the first week of NFL free agency, with one being former New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas.

Thomas has a connection to Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching, previously working with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who held the same title with the Jets.

While Thomas is a new face for Cowboys fines, despite looking like star quarterback Dak Prescott as social media has consistently pointed out, he will be wearing a very familiar number.

MORE: Cowboys’ Dante Fowler Jr. fired up for 2nd stint with team after free agency reunion

Dallas announced the jersey number assignments for the team’s newest players and Thomas was assigned No. 90, which has been worn by DeMarcus Lawrence since 2014. Lawrence, of course, left Dallas during free agency and took some parting shots before getting in a public feud with Micah Parsons.

Let’s hope the chemistry between Parsons and Thomas is a lot stronger.

Last season, the former top five pick recorded 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in limited action. However, throughout his career, Thomas has been a solid presence on the defensive front with 204 tackles, 17.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

He will bring much-needed depth to the defensive line and a familiarity with the coaching staff.

The 2025 NFL free agency period officially opened at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12, when the new league year began.

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DALLAS – Dallas firefighters put out a large fire at a recycling facility that sent thick black smoke into the air on Sunday. 

Dallas recycling plant fire

What we know:

Dallas Fire-Rescue was called to the Cham Star Recycling facility on Singleton Boulevard shortly before 4 p.m.

Firefighters saw lots of flames and smoke coming from the area behind the facility.

The flames were put out, but as of 6:30 p.m. there were still several hot spots that firefighters were working to extinguish.

DFR says most of what was burned was pallets holding paper materials.

There were no injuries reported.

DFR’s HazMat team was called to the area as a precaution, but no hazardous materials were involved.

What we don’t know:

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a critical offseason after a disastrous season marred by injuries and underwhelming performances. With star player Luka Doncic carrying a heavy load, the franchise is reportedly considering a bold move to reshape its roster. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks could target Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball as a potential replacement for Kyrie Irving, who recently suffered a torn ACL.
“The Mavericks must decide about Irving, who recently tore his ACL. Can the franchise afford to wait for him? Will he be his usual self early in the year, or will he need more than a year to return to form? They ‘probably’ do, but pivoting to a younger scoring point guard like LaMelo Ball could be a radical but viable alternative,” Pincus wrote. Ball, a 23-year-old rising superstar, is seen as a dynamic playmaker who could complement Doncic and inject new energy into the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup.

LaMelo Ball (Image via Getty)

Irving’s injury has left Dallas with tough decisions. If the team opts to trade him, they could package him with other assets to acquire LaMelo Ball. Alternatively, the Mavericks might offer players like Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Caleb Martin, along with future first-round draft picks, to entice the Hornets. Gafford, a reliable center, and Washington, a versatile forward, could be valuable pieces for Charlotte, while Dallas would gain a young, high-ceiling guard in Ball.
The Dallas Mavericks are also keen on retaining promising young center Dereck Lively II, who has shown flashes of potential. However, the team’s immediate focus is on addressing their backcourt issues and finding a long-term solution to support Doncic. A trade for Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball would signal a shift toward building a younger, more dynamic core.
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers looking to bag $179,299,750 Denver Nuggets superstar to bolster roster; perfect fit for Luka-LeBron duo?
This offseason is pivotal for the Dallas Mavericks. After a season derailed by injuries and questionable roster moves, the franchise must make strategic decisions to return to championship contention. Whether they pursue Ball or explore other options, the goal remains clear: to bring optimism back to their fan base and position themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference. The clock is ticking for Dallas to make the right moves and turn the page on a disappointing chapter.