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Detroit Lions sign a former quarterback turned tight end … again

By Steven Mullenax

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Logan Thomas #82 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Logan Thomas #82 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions continue to be intrigued by the potential of this former quarterback turned tight end, signing him for a second-time in Motown.

Going into the offseason, it was crystal clear the Detroit Lions had a significant need at tight end. So much so there was early speculation that the Motor City would be desperate enough to once again spend a top-ten selection in the draft to address it.

But those rumors quickly vanished when the Lions sign former Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end Jesse James to a four-year, $25 million in free agency. Now James is cemented as the Lions’ new starter and there is hope he’ll make the position relevant again in Motown.

But with only Michael Roberts and Jerome Cunningham currently on the depth chart behind James, Detroit was still in need of some depth additions at tight end. And on Thursday, they found themselves another with the signing of former quarterback turned tight end Logan Thomas.

This isn’t the first time the former passer, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech, has found himself a member of the Pride. After stints with the Arizona Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins. and the New York Giants as a backup quarterback, the 6-foot-6, 250 pound Thomas opted to switch positions to tight end.

So, in late November of 2016, new general manager Bob Quinn and the Lions signed Thomas to their practice squad. A mere two days later, he was signed off Detroit’s practice squad by the Buffalo Bills. For the past three seasons, Thomas has been in Buffalo developing as a tight end.

A restricted free agent this offseason, the Bills decided not to tender Thomas, leaving him open to sign with any team. And the Lions swooped in to grab the 27-year old.

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Logan Thomas recorded a total of 19 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown during his run in Buffalo. But his best game as a tight end, by far, happened just last season. In a Week Nine matchup against the Chicago Bears, Thomas recorded seven catches on eight targets for 40 yards. The Detroit Lions certainly hope that’s a sign of his positive development as a tight end.

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