Logan Thomas has emerged as a standout example of quarterback-to-position-player transition in the NFL. He had to struggle with a journey through six teams within less than a decade in the NFL, but he found stability with the Washington Commanders in 2020.
Thomas’ return to Washington, where he had previously set records as a quarterback for Virginia Tech, felt like a homecoming. However, the veteran now faces uncertainty once again as the Commanders have decided to part ways with the tight end, marking his seventh NFL team.
Why was Logan Thomas released by Commanders?
The Commanders’ decision to cut tight end Logan Thomas is a cap-clearing move ahead of the free agency frenzy. By releasing Thomas, along with offensive lineman Charles Leno, Washington will free up about $13.8 million in cap space. The impending release of center Nick Gates further signals the team’s dedication to financial flexibility.
Thomas’ $5.34 million contract for the upcoming season and a $500,000 roster bonus that was due on March 17th loomed large for the Commanders. While his individual salary wasn’t astronomical, keeping the 33-year-old veteran on the books with a cap hit of $8.29 million presented a significant challenge for the Washington brass.
Despite a solid four-year run with the Commanders, veteran tight end Logan Thomas was sidelined by a knee injury, restricting him to just six games in 2021. However, his overall impact on the team cannot be understated. The tight end racked up an impressive 184 receptions for 1,685 yards and hauled in 14 touchdowns during his tenure with Washington.
The Commanders, under the leadership of new Head Coach Dan Quinn, are poised for an offensive overhaul in the post-Eric Bieniemy era. With Thomas’s departure, the team is left with tight ends Cole Turner, Armani Rogers and John Bates on the roster.
This void opens up possibilities for the acquisition of a TE1 through free agency or the upcoming draft. Names like Hunter Henry, Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki and Jonnu Smith arise as potential targets in the TE market
What’s next for Logan Thomas?
Veteran tight end Logan Thomas could find himself reunited with a familiar coaching staff in Detroit, according to AtoZ Sports. Thomas previously crossed paths with Lions head coach Dan Campbell during his stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 when Campbell served as the interim head coach.
The connections don’t stop there. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was also on that Dolphins staff, and tight ends coach Steve Heiden shared the Arizona Cardinals locker room with Thomas early in his career. This familiarity with the coaching staff could be a significant factor for Thomas as he weighs his options in free agency.
The veteran transitioned from quarterback to tight end during his time in Detroit. His recent seasons haven’t matched the heights of his breakout 2020 campaign, where he amassed impressive stats. However, the TE remains a valuable asset for teams seeking reliability and experience in his position.
Logan Thomas may not represent a long-term solution for the Lions, but his affordability and short-term viability make him an attractive option. This potential signing would also afford the Lions flexibility in focusing their draft priorities elsewhere, strategically addressing their team needs for the upcoming seasons.
