NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Logan Thomas has a decade of experience in the NFL, but joining the 49ers has been an eye-opening experience for the tight end, thanks mostly to coach Kyle Shanahan.
Thomas, 32, shared his initial impression of Shanahan while speaking with KeynoteUSA Sports Bay Area at Tight End University, the two-day camp hosted by 49ers All-Pro George Kittle, the Kansas City Chiefs star. Travis Kelce, and NFL alum Greg Olsen. .
“It’s very different,” Thomas said. “He sees everything from the inside out and the outside in. He organizes things. It’s like there were a couple of plays that maybe weren’t very successful, but they set them up for something else.
“You really respect that as a player because you know he’s working the same way you are and he wants to get the best out of you and we’re going to get the best out of him and that’s the most important thing.
Thomas joined Kittle at TEU along with fellow 49ers free agent Eric Saubert and San Francisco rookie Mason Pline to not only work on the fundamentals but also get to know his new teammates a little better. . The Virginia Tech product brings a pass-catching element that could complement Kittle’s production as a receiver.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Thomas said. “I’m obviously not George. “I’m not the guy who runs the show every day, but I’m ready to be the supportive guy and carve out a role and be the guy they need me to be.”
Thomas had multiple options to choose from as a free agent, but prioritized joining an organization that had a winning culture and where he felt he could contribute. Still, he is ready to put in the work and earn his place in the offense.
“They’re a well-oiled machine,” Thomas said of the 49ers’ offense. “They know what they’re doing and they don’t care if you know what they’re doing. I still have to stop it. That comes from doing the same thing for years and years. “Kyle is obviously a brilliant mind and I am excited to be working with him.”
While Thomas has been in the NFL since being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, his best season came in 2020 when he joined the Washington Commanders and caught 72 of his 110 targets for 670 yards and six touchdowns.
Thomas was only on the field for six games in 2021 and caught 39 passes for 323 yards in 2022, but rebounded with 496 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, earning a spot on the team, getting the season started and playing some games,” Thomas said. “The last few years for me have been ups and downs. I’m excited to be a part of something that could be really big.
“I haven’t really had an offensive head coach, especially one like Kyle. I am very excited to see how he goes.”
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