Redskins sign former Bills and Lions tight end Logan Thomas

The Redskins haven’t indulged themselves as much as some would like this offseason, but they’re doing a good job finding potential gems in the rough in the 2020 free agency class.

Most of the Washington Redskins signings thus far have been on the defensive side of the ball, where the Redskins nabbed athletic talents such as Kendall Fuller, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Sean Davis, as well as a steely veteran in Thomas Davis. On the offensive side of the ball, they’ve added offensive guard Wes Schweitzer and running back J.D. McKissic, and now, as of this morning, a tight end has joined the list.

ESPN’s John Keim provided confirmation earlier today that Ron Rivera and the Washington Redskins have officially signed former Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas to the 90-man roster.

Thomas, like safety acquisition Sean Davis, is a local product, as he played college football at Virginia Tech. Thomas was a dual threat signal caller with the Hokies, and was originally drafted by the Cardinals to play quarterback, in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Thomas would ultimately only remain with Arizona for one season, as he was cut after preseason of 2015. He would jump around for a year or two before finding a stable role with the Buffalo Bills as a newly-transitioned tight end. Thomas was a tight end for the Bills from 2017 to 2018, logging 19 receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown in that span. His work was enough for him to earn another opportunity from the Lions in 2019, and he continued to improve, amassing 176 yards and a score on 16 catches.

With the Redskins, Thomas will have a chance to earn an increased role, although at this point in his career, it’s unlikely that his production deviates too far from the mean, as he turns 29 years old in July. That said, Thomas is a useful signing even if he doesn’t fulfill his athletic upside, which is plentiful.

Thomas is an excellent athlete for the tight end position, standing at 6-foot-6, 250, with a 4.61 40-yard dash time and a 35.5-inch vertical on record. He’s a willing and able blocker, and if he can’t carve out a role on offense, he can be an effective special teamer and depth player for the Redskins.

Washington has over a half dozen exterior signings now on record for the 2020 free agency period, but it still feels as though their splash acquisition has yet to occur. Will it come, or will the Redskins continue shopping in the bargain bins in 2020, and save their more ambitious moves for when the time is right? Stick with us for the coming updates.