- The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 27, 2021

A day after signing Jonathan Allen to a new contract, the Washington Football Team handed out a three-year deal to Logan Thomas, keeping the 30-year-old tight end for the foreseeable future after the most productive season of his career. 

The deal, in which details were not immediately available, provides more security to Thomas, who was entering the last year of his contract. It also rewards him for a standout 2020 in which he caught a career-high 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns. 

Washington relied heavily on Thomas last season. He was on the field for 1,009 snaps — the second-most of any skill position player in the NFL.

He became a go-to in Scott Turner’s offense, as Thomas’ 110 targets trailed only Terry McLaurin (134). He was particularly effective in the red zone, using his 6-foot-6 frame to create mismatches and catch the ball in tight windows. 

Thomas has proven to be one of Washington’s better signings under coach Ron Rivera. The team brought him in last year on just a two-year, $6 million deal — a low-cost signing that looked like a steal once Thomas took the field. Washington identified Thomas as someone who could thrive in a bigger role after being a reserve in Detroit and Buffalo. 

It’s a remarkable story for Thomas, given that he is a former college quarterback. Thomas made the switch to tight end only four-and-a-half years ago, doing so only after bouncing around rosters as a quarterback. 

Tight ends coach Pete Hoener praised Thomas’ development last month, calling the Virginia Tech product the team’s most reliable offensive player. 

“Right now when I talk about a complete tight end, he has to be in the top five, six or seven in the league,” Hoener said. “The way he blocks, his total attitude as a real pro, his leadership qualities and then his production as a receiver is proven now. I look for that to keep going up and up.”

By signing Thomas, Washington took care of another one of its players just prior to the team’s first training camp practice. On Monday, the team inked Jonathan Allen to a four-year, $72 million deal, rewarding its defensive captain who provides a steady presence along the defensive line. 

The NFL Network first reported Thomas’ signing. 

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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