combined tackles as the Dolphins' lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round 38–3. 1999 On February 13, 1999, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a five-year, $22.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $4.50 million. Thomas's $6.5 million in salary and bonus made him the Dolphins highest paid player, surpassing Dan Marino. Head coach Jimmy Johnson retained Thomas, Robert Jones, and Derrick Rodgers as the starting linebackers in 1999. In Week 15, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during the Dolphins' 12–9 win against the San Diego Chargers. He started in all 16 games in 1999 and recorded 132 combined tackles, a sack, and an interception. Thomas was selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. The Miami Dolphins finished third in the AFC East with a 9–7 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 9, 2000, Thomas recorded nine combined tackles and a sack during a 20–17 victory at the Seattle Seahawks in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made ten combined tackles as the Dolphins lost 62–7 at the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round. 2000 On January 17, 2000, head coach Jimmy Johnson announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Assistant head coach Dave Wannstedt was promoted to head coach. Wannstedt opted to retain Thomas as the starting middle linebacker, alongside Robert Jones and Derrick Rodgers. On September 17, 2000, Thomas collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during a 19–6 win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Thomas was sidelined during the Dolphins' Week 5 victory at the Cincinnati Bengals due to a sprained ankle. Thomas was inactive for four games (Weeks 9–12) after aggravating his sprained ankle during a Week 8 loss at the New York Jets the previous week. He finished the 2000 season with 99 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 11 games and 11 starts. 2001 Defensive coordinator Jim Bates retained Thomas as the starting middle linebacker. He started alongside Twan Russell and Derrick Rodgers to begin the 2001 regular season. He started in the Miami Dolphins' season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded nine combined tackles, deflected two passes, and returned an interception for a touchdown in their 31–23 victory. Thomas intercepted a pass by Titans backup quarterback Neil O'Donnell, that was intended for tight end