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Logan Thomas
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Logan Lamont Thomas Sr. (born July 1, 1991) is an American professional football tight end. He was the starting quarterback while playing college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies in the early 2010s, where he finished as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns before being selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Key Information
Thomas spent time as a reserve quarterback for the Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. He switched to tight end, a position he last played in high school, with the Detroit Lions in 2016 and continued the role with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Football Team / Commanders.
Early life
[edit]Thomas attended Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia.[1] He played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, and defensive back for the Bees' football team.[2] As a quarterback in his senior year, he completed 118-of-204 passes for 1,535 yards and 20 passing touchdowns, and had 842 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 80 tackles and four interceptions. He played in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. A four-star recruit, Thomas committed to play football at Virginia Tech over several other offers.[3]
In addition to football, Thomas also competed in track and field for his junior and senior years at Brookville. He earned All-state honors in the 110m hurdles (14.95 s), the 300m hurdles (41.03 s), the high jump (1.96 m), and in discus (48 m).[4] He won the long jump event at the 2009 Seminole District Outdoor T&F Championships.[5]
College career
[edit]
After being redshirted in 2009, Thomas spent 2010 as the backup quarterback to Tyrod Taylor, appearing in seven games. He completed 12-of-26 passes for 107 yards and 22 rushing yards on six attempts. He also had a two-yard receiving touchdown on his lone reception of the season.
Thomas took over as the starter in 2011,[6] and started in all fourteen games. He finished the season throwing for 3,013 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also contributing 469 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.[7]
In 2012, Thomas completed 220-of-449 passes for 2,976 yards and 18 touchdowns while committing 16 interceptions. He also rushed for 528 yards and 9 touchdowns.[8]
As a senior in 2013, he threw for 2,907 yards with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.[9]
| Season | Passing | Rushing | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | |
| 2010 | 12 | 26 | 46.2 | 107 | 4.1 | 0 | 0 | 80.7 | 6 | 22 | 3.7 | 0 |
| 2011 | 234 | 391 | 59.8 | 3,013 | 7.7 | 19 | 10 | 135.5 | 153 | 469 | 3.1 | 11 |
| 2012 | 220 | 429 | 51.3 | 2,976 | 6.9 | 18 | 16 | 115.9 | 174 | 524 | 3 | 9 |
| 2013 | 227 | 402 | 56.5 | 2,907 | 7.2 | 15 | 13 | 123.1 | 162 | 344 | 2.1 | 4 |
| Career[10] | 693 | 1,248 | 55.5 | 9,003 | 7.2 | 52 | 39 | 123.6 | 495 | 1,359 | 2.7 | 24 |
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Wonderlic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 6+1⁄8 in (1.98 m) |
248 lb (112 kg) |
34+1⁄4 in (0.87 m) |
10+7⁄8 in (0.28 m) |
4.61 s | 1.63 s | 2.70 s | 4.18 s | 7.05 s | 35.5 in (0.90 m) |
9 ft 10 in (3.00 m) |
29[11] | |
| All values from NFL Combine[12][13] | ||||||||||||
Arizona Cardinals
[edit]He was selected in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2014 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.[14] Thomas was the sixth quarterback taken in the draft behind Blake Bortles (3rd, Jacksonville Jaguars), Johnny Manziel (22nd, Cleveland Browns), Teddy Bridgewater (32nd, Minnesota Vikings), Derek Carr (36th, Oakland Raiders), and Jimmy Garoppolo (62nd, New England Patriots).[15] He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 21, 2014.[16]
Thomas made his NFL debut against the Denver Broncos on October 5 in relief of concussed starter Drew Stanton.[17] Thomas completed his third career NFL pass for an 81-yard touchdown to running back Andre Ellington. Thomas became the first NFL quarterback to have his first career completion go for 80+ yards since Steelers' Neil O'Donnell in 1991.[15] Thomas finished the game completing a single pass in eight attempts as the Cardinals were defeated by the Broncos 41–20. After Week 16 and after the Cardinals' one-sided loss to the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Bruce Arians announced that rookie Thomas would start over struggling Ryan Lindley in the regular season finale against division rival San Francisco 49ers, but "promised to have a quick hook."[18] Arians later announced that the team would start Lindley.[19]
Thomas was released on September 5, 2015.[20]
Miami Dolphins
[edit]Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on September 6, 2015,[21] and released Thomas on September 11.[22] He was re-signed to their practice squad on September 15.[23]
On December 16, he was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.[24]
The Dolphins waived Thomas on June 16, 2016.[25]
New York Giants
[edit]On June 17, 2016, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants.[26][27] On September 3, he was released by the Giants[28] and signed to their practice squad the following day.[29] Thomas was on and off the Giants' practice squad throughout the first three months of the season, before being released on November 22; he had a total of 13 transactions with the team.[30][31]
Detroit Lions (first stint)
[edit]Thomas switched to tight end and was signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad on November 28, 2016.[32]
Buffalo Bills
[edit]
On November 30, 2016, the Buffalo Bills signed Thomas off the Lions' practice squad.[33]
He gained significant playing time in 2017 after fellow tight end Charles Clay was sidelined with a knee injury. On October 22, 2017, he caught his first NFL touchdown, a 22-yard pass from former Virginia Tech teammate Tyrod Taylor, in a home win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was the second time that they connected for a touchdown, the first being in their college days.[34]
Thomas finished the 2018 season with 12 receptions for 77 yards in 12 games with 3 starts.[35] He also completed his first pass attempt since his time as a quarterback in Arizona, connecting with wide receiver Robert Foster for 16 yards on a fake punt play for a first down.[36]
Detroit Lions (second stint)
[edit]
On March 21, 2019, Thomas was signed for the second time by the Lions.[37] He was released on September 1, but re-signed the following day.[38] He played in all 16 games with three starts, finishing the season with 16 receptions for 173 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[39]
Washington Redskins / Football Team / Commanders
[edit]On March 23, 2020, Thomas signed with the Washington Redskins.[40] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list for the start of training camp before being activated on August 9.[41][42] In Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas recorded 9 catches for 98 yards and a touchdown during the 23–17 win.[43] He finished the 2020 season with 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns.[44]
On July 28, 2021, Thomas signed a three-year contract extension worth $24 million.[45][46] In a Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thomas left in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury.[47] He was placed on injured reserve after the game,[48] and re-joined the active roster on November 29 after missing six games.[49] On December 8, he was placed on injured reserve for a second time after suffering a knee injury via a low block from Las Vegas Raiders' defensive end Yannick Ngakoue three days earlier.[50][51] Logan finished the 2021 season with 18 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns over six games with as many starts.[52]
In 2022, Thomas was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp;[53] he was activated on August 22.[54] He finished the season with 39 receptions for 323 yards and one touchdown (against his former Lions) over 14 games with 13 starts.[55]
In 2023, in a Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos, Thomas left the game with a concussion after scoring a touchdown and receiving an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit from safety Kareem Jackson.[56] He only missed the following game. Thomas finished the season with 55 receptions for 496 yards and four touchdowns (as well as a 2-point conversion in a loss to the Miami Dolphins) and 2 lost fumbles over 16 games with 15 starts.[57]
He was released on March 1, 2024.[58]
San Francisco 49ers
[edit]On June 4, 2024, Thomas signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.[59] He was released on August 27.[60]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Passing | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rtg | ||
| 2014 | ARI | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 9 | 11.1 | 81 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 101.6 |
| 2017 | BUF | 12 | 2 | 7 | 67 | 9.6 | 22 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | BUF | 12 | 3 | 12 | 77 | 6.4 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 118.7 |
| 2019 | DET | 16 | 3 | 16 | 173 | 10.8 | 17 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | WAS | 16 | 15 | 72 | 670 | 9.3 | 30 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 28 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 118.7 |
| 2021 | WAS | 6 | 6 | 18 | 196 | 10.9 | 35 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | WAS | 14 | 13 | 39 | 323 | 8.3 | 27 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | WAS | 16 | 15 | 55 | 496 | 9.0 | 29 | 4 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total[61] | 94 | 57 | 219 | 2,002 | 9.1 | 35 | 16 | 3 | 11 | 27.3 | 124 | 11.3 | 1 | 0 | 104.4 | |
Personal life
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Logan Thomas' High School Timeline". MaxPreps.com. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ Walls, Dave (October 12, 2020). "#FFRewind - Brookville "Bee-lieve"". WSET. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
- ^ "Logan Thomas Recruit Interests".
- ^ "Logan Thomas – Stats". MileStat.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
- ^ "Seminole District Outdoor T&F Championships – Complete Results (Raw)". MileStat.com. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
- ^ Giannotto, Mark (August 6, 2011). "Logan Thomas getting his chance to run Hokies' offense". Washington Post. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2011 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2012 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2013 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "Logan Thomas". sports-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
- ^ McGinn, Bob (May 1, 2014). "Rating the NFL draft prospects: Quarterbacks". JSOnline.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
- ^ "Logan Thomas Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ "Logan Thomas, DS #12 QB, Virginia Tech". DraftScout.com. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ Daniels, Tim (May 10, 2014). "ARI Takes Logan Thomas, 1st QB of Day 3". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
- ^ a b "Arizona Cardinals: Logan Thomas". www.azcardinals.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2015.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (May 21, 2014). "Arizona Cardinals sign rookie QB Logan Thomas". NFL.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ "Cardinals' Drew Stanton leaves game; Logan Thomas in". NFL.com. October 5, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ "Logan Thomas likely to start for Cardinals in Week 17". NFL.com. December 22, 2014.
- ^ "Cardinals planning to start Ryan Lindley vs. 49ers". NFL.com. December 25, 2014.
- ^ Hanzus, Dan (September 5, 2015). "Logan Thomas released by Arizona Cardinals". nfl.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Alper, Josh (September 6, 2015). "Logan Thomas lands with Dolphins". NBCSports.com. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- ^ Nogle, Kevin (September 11, 2015). "Dolphins promote Jonas Gray to 53-man roster; Sam Brenner called up as well". The Phinsider. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ Kelly, Omar (September 16, 2015). "Three Dolphins defensive ends nursing injuries". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- ^ Beasley, Adam (December 16, 2015). "Miami Dolphins elevate backup QB Logan Thomas from practice squad". Miami Herald. Retrieved December 17, 2015.
- ^ Gantt, Darin (June 16, 2016). "Dolphins cut bait on quarterback Logan Thomas". NBCSports.com. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- ^ Marron, Brian (June 17, 2016). "Logan Thomas Signed by Giants, B.J. Daniels Waived: Details, Comments, Reaction". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (June 18, 2016). "New York Giants claim QB Logan Thomas off waivers". NFL.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Eisen, Michael (September 3, 2016). "New York Giants announce 20 roster moves". Giants.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017.
- ^ Eisen, Michael (September 4, 2016). "Giants announce practice squad; claim DT Robert Thomas". Giants.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017.
- ^ Eisen, Michael (September 13, 2016). "Giants sign DT Montori Hughes; release Kicker Randy Bullock". Giants.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017.
- ^ "Giants Re-Sign LB Deontae Skinner To Practice Squad, Cut QB Logan Thomas". November 22, 2016.
- ^ Rogers, Justin (November 28, 2016). "Lions sign Logan Thomas to practice squad as TE". DetroitNews.com.
- ^ Brown, Chris (November 30, 2016). "Bills sign TE Logan Thomas". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017.
- ^ "Taylor, Thomas connect for TD in Bills win". HokieSports.com. Virginia Tech Athletics. October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "Barkley leads Bills past Jets 41-10". WGRZ-TV. November 11, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "Lions sign free agent TE Logan Thomas". DetroitLions.com. March 21, 2019.
- ^ Schlitt, Erik (September 1, 2019). "Lions announce waiver claim of RB J.D. McKissic, released TE Logan Thomas". Lions Wire.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
- ^ "Redskins Sign S Sean Davis, TE Logan Thomas". Redskins.com. March 23, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ Cadeaux, Ethan (July 29, 2020). "Washington places TE Logan Thomas on the reserve/COVID-19 list". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
- ^ "Washington Football Team Activates TE Logan Thomas From Reserve/COVID-19 List". Washington Commanders. August 9, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ "Washington Football Team at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 7th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Jhabvala, Nicki. "Washington agrees with tight end Logan Thomas on three-year deal for roughly $24 million". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
- ^ Selby, Zach (July 28, 2021). "Washington Secures Logan Thomas On 3-Year Extension". Washington Commanders. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Cadeaux, Ethan (October 3, 2021). "Logan Thomas ruled out vs. Falcons with hamstring injury". NBCSports.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Harrison, David (October 6, 2021). "Logan Thomas Moves to IR; Washington Football Team Signs TE Jace Sternberger". SI.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Selby, Zach (November 29, 2021). "Logan Thomas activated off Injured Reserve amid multiple roster moves before Monday night kickoff". Washington Commanders. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Washington Football Team Public Relations (December 8, 2021). "Washington places Montez Sweat on Reserve/COVID-19 list, Logan Thomas on Injured Reserve, signed Jonathan Williams from Giants practice squad". Washington Commanders. Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Alper, Josh (December 6, 2021). "Ron Rivera: Yannick Ngakoue hit that hurt Logan Thomas was avoidable". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Selby, Zach. "Commanders place Chase Young, Logan Thomas, Tyler Larsen, Chase Roullier on PUP list; Cornelius Lucas placed on NFI list". Commanders.com. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
- ^ Fortier, Sam (August 22, 2022). "Logan Thomas returns, improving Commanders' depth at tight end". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Legwold, Jeff (September 17, 2023). "Broncos' Jackson ejected from 35-33 loss to Commanders". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ "Logan Thomas 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ "Commanders release TE Logan Thomas, T Charles Leno Jr". Commanders.com. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Sign TE Thomas; Waive DL Johnson III". 49ers.com. June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Announce Moves for Initial 53-Man Roster of 2024". 49ers.com. August 27, 2024.
- ^ "Logan Thomas". NFL Enterprise. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Rodak, Mike (October 27, 2017). "Logan Thomas leans on Bills locker room after death of daughter". ESPN. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
- ^ Warren, Matt (October 27, 2017). "Premature newborn daughter of Buffalo Bills tight end Logan Thomas passes away". Buffalo Rumblings. SB Nation. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
External links
[edit]- Logan Thomas on Twitter
- Career statistics from ESPN
- Virginia Tech Hokies bio
Logan Thomas
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Logan Thomas was born on July 1, 1991, in Lynchburg, Virginia.[12][2] Thomas was raised primarily by his single mother, Kim Tarazona, who worked the night shift at a local juvenile detention center, leaving him to spend much of his early childhood in the care of his grandparents.[13] His relationship with his biological father was limited to sporadic contact, but he drew strong male influences from his uncle and grandfather, who helped shape his upbringing amid these family dynamics.[13] Coming from a working-class family in a modest Lynchburg community, Thomas experienced a supportive yet challenging environment that emphasized resilience and close-knit local ties.[14] His early exposure to football came through community youth leagues in Lynchburg, where he began playing organized games around age eight with the Timberlake Lions, fostering his initial interest in the sport amid family and neighborhood encouragement.[14] This groundwork in the local scene laid the foundation for his later athletic development at Brookville High School.High school career
Logan Thomas attended Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, from 2005 to 2009, where he emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete, particularly in football and basketball.[4][15] As the starting quarterback for the Brookville Bees under coach Jeff Woody, Thomas showcased his dual-threat abilities, contributing significantly on both passing and rushing plays.[15][16] In his sophomore year, he transitioned to wide receiver and recorded 55 receptions for nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility early in his high school career.[17] By his junior season, Thomas had returned to quarterback and amassed over 1,500 yards of total offense, solidifying his role as the team's offensive leader.[15] Thomas's senior year in 2008 marked his most prominent performance, as he led the Bees to the Virginia High School League Group AA Division 3 state championship game.[18] He completed 118 of 204 passes for 1,535 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing for 842 yards and 11 scores, totaling 31 touchdowns for the season.[18][16][19] In the state title game against James Monroe High School, Thomas threw four touchdown passes, but Brookville fell in a high-scoring 50–46 loss, the highest-scoring championship game in Virginia Group AA history at the time.[15][14] His efforts earned him the Associated Press Virginia Group AA Player of the Year award, recognizing his impact in leading the team to an 11–3 record.[15][18][20] Over his high school career, Thomas accumulated more than 7,000 passing yards and over 90 total touchdowns (passing and rushing combined), establishing himself as one of Virginia's top prospects.[21] His performance drew national attention, including an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he caught two passes as a wide receiver.[15] Highly recruited as a quarterback, Thomas committed to Virginia Tech in 2009, signing with the Hokies as a top athlete prospect ranked No. 8 nationally at his position by ESPN.[4][20][22]College career
Virginia Tech tenure
Thomas enrolled at Virginia Tech in 2009 as a highly touted quarterback recruit and redshirted his freshman season to preserve a year of eligibility.[23][24] In 2010, Thomas served as the backup to Tyrod Taylor, appearing in seven games and completing 12 of 26 passes for 107 yards without a touchdown or interception, while adding minimal rushing contributions.[6][25] He transitioned to the starting role following Taylor's departure for the NFL, holding the position from 2011 through 2013 and making 40 consecutive starts across those three seasons, for a career total of 47 games played.[26][6] As a dual-threat quarterback, Thomas amassed impressive career statistics during his time at Virginia Tech, completing 693 of 1,248 passes for 9,003 yards and 52 touchdowns, while establishing himself as one of the most dynamic rushing quarterbacks in program history with 1,359 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns on 495 carries.[27][28] His mobility set multiple Virginia Tech records for a quarterback, including career rushing touchdowns (24) and total offense (10,362 yards), and he ranked among the Atlantic Coast Conference's all-time leaders in quarterback rushing attempts and yards.[29][30] These accomplishments highlighted his ability to extend plays and contribute significantly to the Hokies' ground game, often leading the team in rushing during his starting years. Thomas's 2011 sophomore season marked a breakout year, where he started all 14 games, throwing for 3,013 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 469 yards and 11 scores on 153 carries, helping Virginia Tech secure an 11-3 record and an appearance in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson, though the Hokies fell 38-10.[31][32] In 2012, he started 13 games, passing for 2,976 yards and 18 touchdowns alongside 524 rushing yards and nine scores on 174 carries, contributing to a 7-6 finish.[33] His senior year in 2013 saw him start all 13 games, compiling 2,907 passing yards and 15 touchdowns with 344 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on 162 carries, though the season ended with a 42-12 loss to UCLA in the Sun Bowl, where Thomas completed 3 of 11 passes for 46 yards and rushed for 50 yards before exiting early due to injury.[6][26][34]Transition to NFL draft
Following his senior season at Virginia Tech, where he completed 227 of 402 passes (56.5 percent) for 2,907 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, Logan Thomas entered the 2014 NFL Draft process as a developmental quarterback prospect noted for his exceptional physical tools.[35] At 6 feet 6 inches and 250 pounds, Thomas showcased elite athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds—the fastest time among quarterbacks—and throwing a pass clocked at 60 mph, the hardest of any participant.[36][37] Scouting reports praised his arm strength, mobility, and size, comparing him to a "super-athletic NFL tight end" due to his frame and speed, though they criticized his inconsistent accuracy, footwork, and decision-making under pressure.[38][39] To boost his draft stock, Thomas participated in the 2014 Senior Bowl, where he served as the starting quarterback for the North team.[40] Practices highlighted his raw talent and ability to make deep throws, but the game itself exposed limitations, as he faced heavy pressure, resulting in three interceptions and five sacks against the South squad.[41] Analysts viewed the event as a mixed showcase, reinforcing his high-upside athletic profile while underscoring the need for mechanical refinement to succeed at quarterback.[42] Pre-draft evaluations, including from ESPN's Mel Kiper, projected Thomas as a fourth- or fifth-round pick with long-term potential, but some speculated he might transition to tight end by mid-career given his physical attributes and high school experience at the position.[43][39] In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected Thomas in the fourth round, 120th overall, as a quarterback to develop behind starters Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton amid a crowded depth chart.[44] The pick reflected optimism about his tools despite accuracy concerns, with the Cardinals viewing him as a project player whose size and mobility could contribute in a West Coast offense.[45] Early team evaluations emphasized his athleticism as a key asset, though the depth at quarterback limited immediate opportunities and foreshadowed positional flexibility discussions in his rookie offseason.[46]Professional career
Arizona Cardinals and early transitions (2014–2015)
Thomas was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2014 NFL Draft as a quarterback out of Virginia Tech. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cardinals on May 21, 2014, valued at $2.652 million, including a signing bonus of $432,092.[10] In his rookie season, Thomas appeared in two regular season games for the Cardinals, logging limited snaps primarily as the third-string quarterback amid a crowded depth chart featuring Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton. His only regular season action came late in the year, including relief appearances where he completed 1 of 9 passes for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Thomas recorded no receptions during the regular season, as his role focused on quarterback duties and adapting to the professional game's complexities, such as faster decision-making and more sophisticated defenses compared to college. The Cardinals reached the playoffs that year. The 2015 offseason brought roster changes for Thomas, who was waived by the Cardinals on September 5 as they trimmed to the 53-man roster. He was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins the following day and briefly joined their active roster as a quarterback. However, the Dolphins waived him again on September 11 and signed him to their practice squad on September 15. Thomas remained on the Dolphins' practice squad for the duration of the 2015 season, receiving developmental opportunities without elevation to the active roster or game snaps, allowing him to continue honing his skills amid ongoing position evaluation.New York Giants and Detroit Lions first stint (2015–2016)
Following his release by the Miami Dolphins on June 16, 2016, Logan Thomas was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants two days later, providing the team with additional quarterback depth during the preseason.[47] The Giants waived him on September 3, 2016, as part of final roster cuts, but re-signed him to their practice squad the next day, where he served primarily as emergency quarterback insurance.[48] Thomas appeared in no regular-season games during his time with the Giants and was released from the practice squad on September 17 before being re-added on October 25, highlighting the instability of his role amid ongoing roster adjustments.[49] On November 28, 2016, Thomas signed with the Detroit Lions' practice squad, initiating his positional shift from quarterback to tight end—a move aimed at leveraging his 6-foot-6 frame and athleticism for a more sustainable NFL career.[50] Although his tenure with the Lions lasted only a few days before he was signed away by the Buffalo Bills, this brief period marked the beginning of focused development on tight end fundamentals, including blocking techniques and route-running precision, under the Lions' coaching staff.[51] Lions tight ends coach Andy Harmon emphasized Thomas's raw potential, noting early work on hand placement for blocking and basic seam routes to build foundational skills for future opportunities at the position.[52] This stint underscored Thomas's adaptability amid practice squad challenges, setting the stage for further refinement in subsequent seasons.Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions second stint (2017–2020)
Thomas joined the Buffalo Bills' active roster on November 30, 2016, after being signed off the Detroit Lions' practice squad, marking a continuation of his position switch from quarterback to tight end following prior practice squad stints with the New York Giants and Lions.[53] In 2017, under a one-year deal worth $700,000, he earned his first significant NFL playing time, appearing in 12 games with 2 starts and recording 7 receptions for 67 yards and 1 touchdown, primarily as a rotational tight end and special teams contributor.[54][2] The following year, Thomas returned on another one-year contract at the veteran minimum of $790,000, playing in 12 games without a start and catching 12 passes for 77 yards while logging over 300 special teams snaps.[10][2] Across his two seasons with Buffalo, he appeared in 24 games with 2 starts, totaling 19 receptions for 144 yards and 1 touchdown, establishing himself as a reliable depth piece amid injuries to starters like Charles Clay.[2] As an exclusive rights free agent after the 2018 season, the Bills declined to tender Thomas a contract in March 2019, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.[55] He quickly signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions on March 21, 2019, for $805,000, returning to the organization where he had briefly been on practice squad three years earlier.[56][54] Thomas was waived on September 1 during final roster cuts to accommodate a waiver claim but was re-signed the next day after the Lions placed rookie defensive end Austin Bryant on injured reserve.[57][58] During the 2019 season, Thomas solidified his role as a backup tight end and special teams ace for Detroit, appearing in all 16 games with 3 starts and posting 16 receptions for 173 yards on 20 targets.[2] His contributions extended beyond offense, with over 250 special teams plays, helping provide stability in a tight end group featuring rookie T.J. Hockenson.[2] As free agency approached in 2020, Thomas's Lions tenure concluded when he signed with the Washington Football Team on March 19.[59]Washington Commanders (2020–2023)
Thomas signed a two-year, $6.145 million contract with the Washington Football Team on March 19, 2020, shortly after his release from the Detroit Lions.[10] In his first season as the team's primary tight end, he demonstrated significant growth in the position, recording 72 receptions for 670 yards and a career-high six touchdowns over 16 games, including 15 starts.[2] This breakout performance came amid the team's transition from the Washington Redskins name to the temporary Washington Football Team moniker in July 2020, reflecting broader organizational changes. The 2021 season began promisingly for Thomas, who started all six games he played, amassing 18 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. On July 27, 2021, prior to the injury's full impact, he agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Washington Football Team, securing his role through the 2023 season and including $10.3 million in guarantees.[7] Under the newly rebranded Washington Commanders name starting in 2022, Thomas continued as a reliable starter despite ongoing injury challenges. In 2022, he appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, catching 39 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown.[2] The following year, 2023, saw him play all 16 games and start 15, posting 55 receptions for 496 yards and four touchdowns.[2] Across these two seasons, Thomas totaled 94 receptions for 819 yards and five touchdowns, emerging as a key component of the passing attack while supporting multiple quarterbacks, including Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, and Sam Howell, even as the team navigated defensive schemes and injury setbacks.[2]San Francisco 49ers and retirement (2024–2025)
In June 2024, Logan Thomas signed a one-year contract worth $1.21 million with the San Francisco 49ers, providing veteran depth at tight end behind starter George Kittle.[60] He was released on August 9, 2024, during training camp but re-signed on August 23, 2024, to the 53-man roster.[61] During the 2024 NFL season, Thomas appeared in 15 games for the 49ers, primarily serving as a rotational tight end. He recorded 54 receptions for 487 receiving yards and four touchdowns, contributing to the team's offensive efforts in a supporting role.[2][1] Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Thomas announced his retirement from the NFL in January 2025, at the age of 33. He cited the physical toll of a decade-long professional career and a desire to prioritize family as key factors in his decision to step away from playing.[62] In reflecting on his 10-year NFL journey, Thomas highlighted his unique transition from quarterback—where he began his pro career after being drafted in the fourth round out of Virginia Tech in 2014—to tight end, a position he fully embraced starting in 2017. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities across multiple teams, including his breakout years with the Washington Commanders after entering free agency from that organization in 2024, but emphasized the personal growth and lessons learned from adapting to the league's demands.[63]NFL career statistics
Receiving and scoring
Logan Thomas's NFL receiving statistics through the 2023 season include 219 receptions for 2,002 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns over 94 games from 2014 to 2023, primarily as a tight end known for his role in the passing game after transitioning from quarterback.[2] His receiving production was limited in his early years, where he appeared in few games and had minimal targets while adapting to the tight end position across multiple teams. Thomas's breakout came in 2020 with the Washington Football Team, where he recorded 72 receptions for 670 yards and 6 touchdowns in 16 games, marking his first significant statistical contribution. His peak performance occurred in 2020, though 2021 was limited by injury to 18 receptions for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns in 6 games. Subsequent seasons saw consistent output, including 39 receptions for 323 yards and 1 touchdown in 2022, and 55 receptions for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023.[2] Advanced metrics highlight Thomas's efficiency as a receiver, averaging 9.1 yards per reception across his career, which underscored his ability to gain yards after the catch in intermediate routes. He was a frequent red-zone target, notably receiving 17 red-zone opportunities in 2020 that resulted in 6 touchdowns, ranking among the top tight ends in conversion rate that year. Additionally, Thomas contributed to his teams' blocking schemes, with Pro Football Focus noting his run-blocking grade of 60.1 in 2023, providing solid support in protection despite occasional pass-blocking lapses.[64][65][66]| Season | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ARI | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | NYG/DET | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | DET | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | BUF | 12 | 7 | 67 | 1 |
| 2018 | BUF | 12 | 12 | 77 | 0 |
| 2019 | DET | 16 | 16 | 173 | 1 |
| 2020 | WAS | 16 | 72 | 670 | 6 |
| 2021 | WAS | 6 | 18 | 196 | 3 |
| 2022 | WAS | 14 | 39 | 323 | 1 |
| 2023 | WAS | 16 | 55 | 496 | 4 |
| Career | 94 | 219 | 2,002 | 16 |
Passing and rushing
Logan Thomas's NFL passing statistics are extremely limited, reflecting his transition from quarterback to tight end and subsequent role as a backup or emergency option. Over his career, he completed 3 of 11 passes for 124 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions in three games across three seasons (2014, 2018, and 2020).[2] His only significant action as a passer came in 2014 with the Arizona Cardinals, when he entered a game against the Denver Broncos in relief of an injured Carson Palmer and completed 1 of 9 attempts for 81 yards and a touchdown to Andre Ellington.[2] The remaining completions occurred on trick plays later in his career: a 15-yard pass in 2018 with the Buffalo Bills and a 28-yard pass in 2020 with the Washington Football Team.[2] Thomas never started a game at quarterback in the NFL, a stark contrast to his college tenure at Virginia Tech where he set school records for passing yards and rushing touchdowns as a dual-threat signal-caller.[2] Thomas's rushing production in the NFL was equally sparse, with just 4 carries for 7 yards and no touchdowns, underscoring the infrequency of designed runs or scrambles after his position change.[2] These attempts were scattered across his stints with the Cardinals, Bills, and Commanders, often in gadget situations rather than as a primary ball-carrier. The rarity of these opportunities highlights Thomas's evolution into a receiving-focused tight end, where mobility from his quarterback background occasionally factored into unconventional plays but rarely translated to meaningful rushing volume.[2]| Year | Team | Passing (Cmp/Att) | Passing Yds | Passing TD | Passing INT | Rushing Att | Rushing Yds | Rushing TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ARI | 1/9 | 81 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | BUF | 1/1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | WAS | 1/1 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | WAS | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Career | - | 3/11 | 124 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 |