Washington Football Team: Logan Thomas, it’s time to put up your Dukes
Playing on his fourth NFL team in six seasons, tight end Logan Thomas has had quite the journey throughout his professional career. The former Virginia Tech Hokie entered the league in 2014 as a fourth-round pick (No. 120 overall) as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. From Sept. 2015-Nov. 2016, Thomas spent time on the practice squads for the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions.
After being out of the league in 2017, Thomas signed with the Buffalo Bills in April 2018 and started three games that year before being cut the following season. In 2019, he had a similar stint with the Lions, starting three games and then being released the following offseason.
With the Washington Football Team in 2020, however, Logan Thomas had breakthrough season, posting 72 catches, 670 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns, which lead the the team.
As a former quarterback, Thomas developed an uncanny ability throughout the 2020 season in terms of understanding the nuances and intricacies of the tight end position. Even more impressive? He did so with trio of Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, and Alex Smith at quarterback. In the offseason, Thomas was rewarded by the Washington front office with a three-year, $24 million contract extension.
This past offseason, Logan Thomas garnered national attention as he attended “TE University” a seminar hosted by some of the best tight ends in all of football, including Greg Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Darren Waller. In late June, tight ends coach Pete Hoener spoke highly of Thomas to reporters after one practice session, calling him “one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL”.
"Where I see him, I think right now, when I talk about a complete tight end, he’s got to be in the top five, six, or seven in the league as far as the way he blocks, his total attitude as a real pro, his leadership qualities, and then his production as a receiver obviously is proven now, and I just look for that to keep going up and up.”"
Bengals LBs giving Logan Thomas PLENTY of space on the crosser 😬pic.twitter.com/3PgwZYiuEe
— PFF (@PFF) August 21, 2021
What to expect from Football Team tight end Logan Thomas vs the Chargers?
Prized free-agent acquisition Curtis Samuel will miss the first three games with a nagging groin injury. However, Washington’s coaches and players remain confident in the increased depth at the wide receiver position. Terry McLaurin is on the cusp of becoming a household name in the NFL, while Cam Sims has matured into a more complete player since his arrival as a UDFA out of Alabama in 2018.
The Football Team also added veteran Adam Humphries, who had his best years with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback during their time in Tampa Bay, to man the slot position. Rookie Dyami Brown also figures to see a decent amount of snaps not only vs the Los Angeles Chargers, but over the course of the entire season.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley had nothing but positive things to say about McLaurin during a recent press conference, so it’s safe to say, the Chargers game plan will likely be tailored to limit McLaurin’s production. This is where Thomas will ultimately pick up the slack.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has built quite the rapport with Thomas on and off the field throughout training camp and during the preseason. Against the Chargers, expect Thomas to be targeted early and often, especially in the red zone.
After bouncing around various practice squads and living out of hotels, Logan Thomas overcame the odds as he was recently voted a team captain by his teammates. Heading into the 2021 regular season, it’s safe to say the Thomas is aiming to prove that 2020 was the beginning of a career renaissance, and not your average anomaly.
