Linebacker Zach Thomas is returning home.

Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl who grew up Pampa, Texas, and played college ball at Texas Tech, has reached a contract agreement in principle with the Dallas Cowboys, team and league sources told ESPN.com this morning.

Thomas, 34, who was released by the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago, following a 2007 season in which he was limited to just five appearances, chose the deal from the Cowboys over contract proposals from the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.

ESPN.com's John Clayton reported that the deal is for one year at $3 million.

A 12-year veteran, and one of only three players in modern NFL history to register 100-plus tackles in each of his first 10 seasons in the league, Thomas was released by the new Miami football regime on Feb. 14 after a celebrated stint with the Dolphins.

He suffered a concussion early last season, was plagued by headaches for much of the year, and finally placed on injured reserve in early December, culminating what was easily the least productive campaign of his career.

While none of the teams that met with Thomas following his release publicly addressed the residual effects of his 2007 concussion, all three made contract offers -- seemingly indicating confidence in his medical readiness to play in 2008.