4 secret weapons for the Carolina Panthers in 2020

Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Ian Thomas (TE)

The pressure on Ian Thomas heading into 2020 is nothing short of immense. The tight end has been tasked with filling the void left by Greg Olsen following his decision to join the Seattle Seahawks. And this will have a detrimental impact on the field and within the locker room.

Thomas has everything one looks for in a prolific pass-catching tight end. He is speedy enough to create separation at the second level. And if he can improve his ability to collect the ball successfully under pressure. Then the sky is the limit for the former fourth-round pick.

The Panthers don’t exactly have much in the way of depth behind Thomas, which only heightens the need for him to perform to the level expected. If he makes the most out of this opportunity from the outset, it could be the secret weapon that Carolina’s offense needs to put them over the edge.

This is a chance that Thomas has waited for since he entered the NFL. He got a taste for a starting berth in Olsen’s absence during his rookie campaign. And this saw them player produce some eye-catching performances on his way to 36 receptions from 47 targets, 333 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.

If Thomas can thrive with more time on the field, he is another that could see himself get an extension next spring. What comes next will ultimately come down to the player’s production. But he goes into the campaign with plenty of confidence.