Thomas psyched for Gase reunion

Miami Dolphins tight end Julius Thomas likely has a better understanding of coach Adam Gase’s offense than any of his new teammates.

Thomas and Gase made statistical magic happen for two seasons in Denver as Thomas caught 24 touchdowns in Gase’s first two years as the Broncos’ play-caller.

Their effectiveness helped the Broncos set NFL records for offensive productivity and then the two parted ways.

After two disappointing seasons in Jacksonville, which traded him to Miami last week for a seventh-round pick in next month’s draft, Thomas is optimistic he’ll have a resurgent season in his reunion with Gase.

Thomas, 28, says he’s healthy, ready to play at “a high level,” and be an intricate part of the Dolphins’ remodeled offense.

“I’m a guy who helps other guys. I want to help make sure we’re all where we’re supposed to be and everybody is in concert,” said Thomas, who had 30 receptions for 281 yards and four touchdowns in the nine games he played last season. “That’s what this offense is about, understanding the whole scheme. Everybody has to get it done all together, like an orchestra.’’ So what instrument is the tight end? “The tight end is a little bit like the bass

drum,’’ Thomas explained. “You’ve got to be steady, you know? Maybe make a 5-yard catch for a first down, maybe being called into protection, maybe being one-on-one outside. There are going to be so many different things expected of me.”

But it’s not just Thomas who is expected to make a positive impact on Miami’s offense, which finished 24th last season when it came to total yards per game (332.8), and 17th in points scored (22.7).

Anthony Fasano, who was signed to a one-year, $3 million deal last week, returns to the franchise that used him as a starter from 2008-12.

Fasano replaces Dion Sims, who signed with the Chicago Bears last week, as the Dolphins’ primary inline blocker. His role will be to facilitate the run game, and provide an assist in pass protection.

“It’s somewhat of a lost art in the NFL nowadays,” Fasano said when talking about his blocking prowess. “So it’s something I take great pride in. I do believe to be a good football team you need to be a good running team, and good running teams have good blocking tight ends. It takes everybody on the field on offense, but I take pride in my run blocking.”

But Fasano has also caught 287 passes and scored 35 touchdowns throughout his 11-year career.

Fasano and David Martin set the franchise’s record for tight end productivity in 2008, accumulating 65 receptions, 904 yards and 10 touchdowns on a playoff team.

It’s possible that the Dolphins’ new tight end duo could eclipse those numbers if they develop chemistry with Ryan Tannehill, who has had a hot-and-cold relationship with tight ends during his five-year tenure as Miami’s starting quarterback.

Fasano was Tannehill’s top red zone target (five touchdowns) in his rookie season.

“I’ve always been a big fan of him,” Fasano said of Tannehill. “He was a great teammate for the year that we were teammates and he continues to be a great friend. He was another reason — another decision factor — on why I came back. I really believe in him and the prospects for this team.

“I look forward to tying to help him out and accomplish our goals together.”

To do that both tight ends will need to stay healthy, which has been an issue for the Dolphins the past couple of seasons due to concussions, knee and back injuries.

Thomas has had a number of medical concerns throughout six NFL seasons, most recently a back injury that got him placed on injured reserve last November. He passed a physical before Miami finalized the trade, and Thomas said he has no lingering injuries.

“I can tell you that it’s fortunate for me that I don’t have any lingering deficiencies from the injuries,” Thomas said. “At different times you’ll have injuries that really affect you and make it hard.

“I don’t have any handicap injuries that will hold me back. They’ve all been able to heal up. The fortunate part is it’s always something new. It’s not chronic.”

Contract restructured

The Dolphins shaved a year off defensive tackle William Hayes’ contract, according to ESPN, making his two-year deal a one-year deal, but they gave him an additional $1.7 million in guaranteed money.

Hayes, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday, is a run-stuffing specialist who is expected to bolster the Dolphins’ run defense.

The nine-year veteran is now scheduled to earn $2 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN, as well as a $2.7 million base salary in 2017, and a $50,000 workout bonus. That means he’s scheduled to make $4.75 million in 2017 instead of $5.5 million.

The restructured deal will make him an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season.

Thomas