New 49er Thomas explains why working with Shanahan was eye-opening originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Logan Thomas has a decade of NFL experience, but joining the 49ers It’s been an eye-opening experience for the tight end, mostly because of head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Thomas, 32, shared his initial impression of Shanahan when speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area in Tight End University, the two-day camp hosted by 49ers All-Pro George Kittle, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and NFL alumnus Greg Olsen.
“It’s very different,” Thomas said. “He sees everything from the inside out and the outside in. It sets things up. He thinks there are some plays that might not be very successful, but that set them up for something else.
“You really respect that as a player because you know he’s working the same way as you 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, not only to work on fundamentals, but to get to know his new teammates a little more. 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. “Obviously I’m not George. I’m not the guy who runs the show every day, but I’m ready to be the support guy and create a role for myself and be the guy they need me to be.”
Thomas had several options to choose from as a free agent, but he made it a priority to join an organization that had a winning culture and where he felt he could contribute. Still, he’s ready to do the work to 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 this. This comes from doing the same thing for years and years. Kyle is obviously a brilliant mind and I’m excited to really work with him.”
Although Thomas has been in the NFL since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 draft by the Arizona Cardinals, his best season was in 2020 when he joined the Washington Commanders and caught 72 of his 110 targets for 670 yards and six touchdowns.
Thomas was on the field in just six games in 2021 and caught 39 passes for 323 yards in 2022, but bounced back with 496 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, earning a spot on the team, getting into the season and playing some games,” Thomas said. “The last few years for me have been full of ups and downs. I’m excited to be a part of something that could be really big.
“I haven’t really had an offensive coach, especially one like Kyle. I’m really excited to see how it goes.”
