The San Francisco 49ers made a bold move on Thursday, re-signing Logan Thomas to a one-year deal, just weeks after initially releasing the veteran tight end.
In a corresponding roster maneuver, the 49ers also waived safety Tayler Hawkins via an injury trade, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Thomas, who is 33, first joined the San Francisco roster in June following his release from the Washington Commanders. The 49ers were on the hunt for reliable depth behind All-Pro George Kittle but decided to part ways with Thomas on August 9 after a hamstring injury hampered his progress in training camp.
Despite the setback, Thomas showcased his formidable skills last season for the Commanders, where he racked up 55 receptions for 496 yards and four touchdowns over 16 games, starting in 15 of them.
Over his career, Thomas has proven to be a versatile and dependable asset with 219 career receptions for 2,002 yards and 16 touchdowns in 94 career games, 57 of which he started. He originally transitioned from quarterbacking at Virginia Tech to playing tight end in the NFL, with stints at the Arizona Cardinals (2014), Buffalo Bills (2017-18), Detroit Lions (2019), and Commanders (2020-23).
As for Tayler Hawkins, the 26-year-old has been a fluctuating presence on San Francisco’s practice squad since late August 2022. He made an impression last season, notably starting against the Los Angeles Rams on January 7, where he recorded one interception, four tackles, and one pass defensed in a tightly contested 21-20 loss.
Stay tuned as the excitement builds with these roster changes and watch how the 49ers leverage their re-tooled lineup in the upcoming season!
