Logan Thomas Released by Commanders Ahead of 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Washington Commanders have released veteran tight end Logan Thomas prior to the start of NFL free agency.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo first reported the move, noting Thomas would have earned $6.54 million in 2024, and he was due a $500,000 roster bonus later this month.

Thomas was released alongside offensive lineman Charles Leno, saving Washington roughly $13.8 million against the salary cap. Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported the Commanders will also release center Nick Gates "at the start of the new league year in mid-March."

Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports noted the Commanders will have about $90 million free headed into free agency.

Thomas, 32, is an eight-year NFL veteran who spent the past four seasons in Washington, achieving the greatest success of his career.

His first year with the Commanders was his best, as Thomas set career highs with 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns in 2020.

Injuries limited him to just six games in 2021, and although he played in 14 games in 2022, Thomas did not come close to matching his 2020 production with 39 catches for 323 yards and one score.

Last season, Thomas had a solid rapport with quarterback Sam Howell and produced the second-best season of his career with 55 grabs for 496 yards and four touchdowns in 16 contests.

Thomas played quarterback collegiately at Virginia Tech, earning All-ACC Second Team honors in 2011.

He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2014 and appeared in two games as a rookie. After failing to earn any regular-season playing time in 2015 and 2016, Thomas made the decision to switch to tight end.

That move paid dividends, as Thomas made the Buffalo Bills' roster and spent two years with the team.

Thomas then played for the Detroit Lions in 2019, but his production was modest until he established himself as a starter in Washington in 2020.

Releasing Thomas helps the Commanders create some cap space, but it leaves them with almost no production to speak of at the tight end position.

Their top returning tight end on the roster is 2021 fourth-round pick John Bates, who had 19 receptions for 151 yards and no touchdowns last season. They are also set to return 2022 fifth-round pick Cole Turner, who had 11 catches for 120 yards and no scores in 2023.

While the Commanders seem likely to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, all signs point toward them addressing the tight end position either later in the draft or in free agency.