Johnny Manziel (22nd, Cleveland Browns), Teddy Bridgewater (32nd, Minnesota Vikings), Derek Carr (36th, Oakland Raiders), and Jimmy Garoppolo (62nd, New England Patriots). He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 21, 2014. Thomas made his NFL debut against the Denver Broncos on October 5, 2014, in relief of the injured Drew Stanton. Thomas completed his third career NFL pass for an 81-yard touchdown to Andre Ellington. Thomas became the first NFL quarterback to have his first career completion to go for 80 or more yards since Neil O'Donnell in 1991. Thomas finished the game completing a single pass in eight attempts as the Cardinals were defeated by the Broncos 41–20. After Week 16 and after the Cardinals one sided loss to the Seattle Seahawks, it was announced that the Cardinals would start rookie Thomas over the struggling Ryan Lindley. However, head coach Bruce Arians announced that the team would instead go with Lindley. He was released on September 5, 2015. Miami Dolphins Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on September 6, 2015. The Dolphins released Thomas on September 11, 2015. He was then re-signed by the Miami Dolphins to their practice squad on September 15, 2015. On December 16, 2015, the Miami Dolphins elevated Thomas from practice squad. The Dolphins waived Thomas on June 16, 2016. New York Giants On June 17, 2016, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Giants. The next day, he was signed to the Giants practice squad. Thomas was on and off the Giants' practice squad throughout the first three months of the season before being released on November 22, 2016, a total of 13 transactions with the team. Detroit Lions Thomas switched his position to tight end and was signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad on November 28, 2016. Buffalo Bills On November 30, 2016, the Buffalo Bills signed Thomas off the Lions practice squad. Thomas gained significant playing time in 2017 after fellow tight end Charles Clay was sidelined with a knee injury. He caught his first NFL touchdown, a 22-yard pass from former Virginia Tech teammate Tyrod Taylor, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22. It was the second time that they connected for a touchdown and the first since college. Thomas finished the 2018 season with 12 receptions for 77 yards