5 Carolina Panthers facing boom or bust seasons in 2020
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Ian Thomas – TE
Ian Thomas has been given the keys to the tight end kingdom with the Carolina Panthers next season. This is a chance he has been waiting for since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2018. And if things go well for the heir apparent to Greg Olsen. Then it is going to come with some significant rewards.
The Panthers placed a significant amount of faith in Thomas this offseason. Parting ways with a prolific veteran such as Olsen was a bold move. And they also chose not to bring in any real reinforcements of note during free agency or the NFL Draft.
This puts the responsibility squarely on Thomas’ shoulders to deliver the goods. But if things don’t pan out as expected, it will not take long for Carolina to look in a different direction next spring.
Thomas had a good rookie season in Olsen’s absence through injury. But his play last time out was riddled with soft mistakes and missed opportunities.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: 3 things Ian Thomas must do better in 2020. light
Coming into the game cold, so to speak, is never easy. So hopefully Thomas can become more consistent in a prominent starting role. He has some impressive physical traits to call upon. And the Indiana product should get plenty of room to work in thanks to other talented offensive weapons commanding more attention.
Next season is a big one for Thomas. And it could define his future in Carolina.