The San Francisco 49ers have found their backup plan for George Kittle, securing veteran tight end Logan Thomas on a one-year deal. This agreement, confirmed by ESPN sources on Monday, brings an experienced option behind Kittle, a much-needed addition following the offseason departures of Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley to the Atlanta Falcons.
Thomas, an eight-year veteran, joins the Niners after a four-season stint with the Washington Commanders. His time in Washington was highlighted by a standout 2020 season, where he recorded 72 receptions, 670 yards, and six touchdowns. In 2023, he added 55 catches for 496 yards and four scores, bringing his overall totals with the Commanders to 184 receptions for 1,685 yards and 14 touchdowns. Washington released the 32-year-old on March 1 to clear salary cap space.
San Francisco‘s pursuit of reliable depth behind Kittle has been ongoing for several years. Earlier in the offseason, they attempted to secure Detroit Lions‘ tight end Brock Wright with a restricted free agent offer sheet, but the Lions matched it. The Niners also opted not to draft a tight end in April, despite having the opportunity.
“We would’ve loved to add a tight end,” coach Kyle Shanahan remarked on April 27, reflecting on the draft. “It just didn’t work out that way.”
Logan Thomas strengthens Niners’ Tight End corps
With Thomas in the mix, the Niners hope to solidify their tight end lineup, which includes unproven talents Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu. Both were drafted in 2023 but had limited impact, with Latu spending the season on injured reserve. The competition also features rookie Mason Pline and veterans Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges, vying for two spots behind Kittle on the depth chart.
George Kittle is currently recovering from offseason core muscle surgery and has missed the team’s offseason program. However, Kittle expressed confidence in being ready for the start of training camp next month. The Niners have long sought a reliable complement to Kittle, who has been a consistent producer and prefers to play as many snaps as possible.
“I think we’re always going to be trying to do that, and there is some back and forth with both him and Kyle and myself,” said tight end coach Brian Fleury on May 22. “There’ll be a time when he needs to take more plays off to be the best version of himself. If that’s this year or not, I can’t say.“
Logan Thomas‘s journey in the NFL began as a quarterback when the Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He transitioned to tight end in 2016 with the Detroit Lions and has since carved out a successful career in the position. NFL Network first reported that a deal with Thomas was imminent, signaling a new chapter for the veteran as he joins the 49ers.
