On March 3, 2007, Thomas signed a 5-year contract with the New England Patriots worth $35 million, including $20 million in guaranteed money. After the move, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told Thomas that he had "backed up the Brink's truck" to pay him. Thomas played mainly at inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defense in 2007, rotating with veterans Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau. As the Patriots progressed through an undefeated 2007 regular season, Thomas handed out "humble pie" T-shirts to his teammates in the locker room, echoing's Belichick's message of staying humble after each win. After a season-ending injury to outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin in late November, Thomas started the remainder of the season and eventually Super Bowl XLII at outside linebacker. In that game, Thomas had a postseason-high two sacks and a forced fumble.