Thomas looking forward to 2021, not worried about contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
There was not much second thought nor overwhelming joy from fans when the Washington Football Team signed tight end Logan Thomas to a two-year deal in March of 2020.
At the time, Thomas had never totaled more than 16 catches in one season. The idea of him coming to Washington and immediately becoming one of the league's better tight ends seemed impossible.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Then, Thomas did just that. The quarterback-turned-tight-end hauled in 72 catches totaling 670 yards for Washington in 2020, marks that only Terry McLaurin beat. Thomas's six receiving touchdowns were also a team-high.
Now, Thomas enters the 2021 season on the final year of his contract, one that has quickly turned into one of the league's better bargains. While the tight end told the Sports Junkies that getting a new deal is in the back of his mind, he's not worried about it right now.
"Whatever happens, happens. For me, I'm secure with what I've done in the past," Thomas said. "I've been good with my money. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. If it does, awesome."
Instead of worrying about securing a contract extension -- one that will likely be the most lucrative deal of his career -- Thomas is focusing on the present: building on his great 2020 season.
"For me personally, I'm excited to see what I can do in 2021," Thomas said. "I want to build, get better. 72 [receptions] and 700 [yards] is great, but hopefully, we can get a little more wins, get into the playoffs, and do damage there."
After winning an improbable NFC East title in 2020, Washington should be even better in 2021. The team added solid pieces on both sides of the ball in free agency, particularly on offense, and most of Ron Rivera's coaching staff is returning for another year. Plus, the team has the chance to add even more talent with its eight picks in next week's NFL Draft.
"I'm excited about what's going on into 2021. I think we've built a lot over the past year," Thomas said. "We've got a good relationship in our locker room. [Offensive coordinator] Scott Turner has done a great job. I think we just reloaded. We got some more good talent in this free agency. I'm excited to see what we do in the draft."
A few of those free-agent additions will directly impact Thomas, none more than veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. With Fitzpatrick now the team's QB1, Washington not only upgraded and the position but also likely found themselves stability at it, something they lacked for most of last year.
The numbers that Thomas put up in 2020 were strong, but they're even more impressive when considering Washington started four different signal-callers last season. That shouldn't be the case once again, barring injury.
"Fitz likes to throw that ball," Thomas said. "He's one of those guys that if something's going good, it'll stay good. If he has one or two bad ones, he's going to throw himself into a good one. So, he's definitely electric. He's fun."
In Miami, Fitzpatrick didn't have the weapons on the outside that he will in Washington between McLaurin, Thomas, and free-agent signings Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. But, what the 38-year-old did have to his benefit was tight end Mike Gesicki, one of the more athletic pass-catchers at the position and someone who has a similar skill set to Thomas.
With Washington's offense a lot more talented across the board this season, Thomas is looking forward to how much bigger of an impact he'll be able to make come this fall.
"I think with this offense, with the key guys we have outside, the addition of Humphries inside -- and like you said, [Miami TE Mike] Gesicki had a big year last year -- I'm excited to see what I can do, especially with those three guys opening in the field for me," Thomas said.
For more interviews, tune into the Sports Junkies on NBC Sports Washington, weekdays from 6-10 a.m.
