Panthers Re-Sign TE Ian Thomas

Along with TE Tommy Tremble, the two are projected as the Panthers' starting TE's in 2022.

Panthers bring back tight end Ian Thomas on a new three-year deal


CHARLOTTE — The Panthers brought back another one of their own free agents Friday, filling another spot on the depth chart in advance of the new league year.

The team has agreed to terms with tight end Ian Thomas on a new three-year contract. He was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent on March 16.

Thomas, their fourth-round pick in 2018, had 18 receptions for 188 yards last year.

But he has evolved into a reliable blocker, and is walking into a revamped offense which leaves room for growth as a receiver. He had 36 catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.

New coordinator Ben McAdoo's system has always been friendly for tight ends, and having Thomas and Tommy Tremble gives them a place to start this offseason, as they revamp the offense.

The Panthers also have Stephen Sullivan, Giovanni Ricci, and Colin Thompson under contract at the moment, so there's less of a pressing need to add more parts in free agency.

They still have 19 unrestricted free agents, having already retained linebacker Frankie Luvu and long snapper J.J. Jansen.

Yep....

I am not completely enthralled about this one. Thomas has been virtually invisible for several years now. Decent blocker but he has limited speed and very limited downfield production. He weighs 260 lbs for gosh sake.!! He needs to drop about 20 lbs and work on movement skills.
Of course, if all you want is a blocker.......

Blocking is an excellent trait, , but does it require a 16 mil 3 yr contract?  I love Thomas, but that’s a lot of $ getting him signed.  If he can do fb duties, He may b worth it.  A 260 lb fb w hands?  Think he’ll produce?  Or just block?  Supposedly Gilbride is te friendly!  Fun conversation!

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Really, paying him that much, they should expect much more than what he’s done receiving wise. I don’t know what it’ll b. Know he will block well.

Yep....

I am not completely enthralled about this one. Thomas has been virtually invisible for several years now. Decent blocker but he has limited speed and very limited downfield production. He weighs 260 lbs for gosh sake.!! He needs to drop about 20 lbs and work on movement skills.
Of course, if all you want is a blocker.......

Agreed that Thomas has been virtually invisible, but in all fairness he usually catches the ball "when" thrown his way, which is a rarity.  We haven't used our Tight Ends as much as I would have liked since hiring Matt Rhule as our HC. That having been said, we have released Tight Ends that I would have rather kept than Thomas.

Who 007?

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Who, B/s Manhertz?

Who 007?

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Who, B/s Manhertz?

Dan Arnold for one.  Ed Dickson was another solid tight end we let walk.

YAHOO... Ian Thomas. GO, BRO, GO.!!  "Drive it like you stole it.!!"

Oh shoot. Got caught did ya.??   Oh well. Something else you're not too good at. I don't know if more practice is gonna help.!

EXTRA, EXTRA.!!. Read all about it.! Ian Thomas, celebrated master vehicle manipulator, caught.!!
STORY HERE!! ---  Thomas CHARGED--5 counts.!!

Jeezes H. Peete.  Dude, did you seriously choose to toss your NFL career out the window over that???

Well, at least they're all misdemeanor counts. I have to believe the Panthers knew about it before re-signing him. It happened months back near his home.
Just now coming up in the court system..?????

Interesting comments from Fitterer.... He claims that Ian Thomas has good downfield speed. Hmmm...I don't see it, but what do I know.???