4 Carolina Panthers players on the hot seat after offseason moves
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
It might come as a surprise to some that Ian Thomas is still on the roster. The Carolina Panthers would save $2.18 million with his early release before June 1, which could be put to better use considering how little quality veteran players are signing for during free agency.
Carolina got next to no production from Thomas in 2020. He was an afterthought in Joe Brady’s scheme after setting his sight on filling the void left by Greg Olsen. So it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why the Panthers swooped to bring Dan Arnold on board from the Arizona Cardinals.
Arnold will certainly help, especially in the red zone. But the Panthers might also look towards the 2021 NFL Draft for a new recruit from a strong-looking class that is headed by Florida’s potential stud, Kyle Pitts.
Thomas is clearly hanging by a thread in terms of forging a successful career in Carolina. The former Indiana star showed glimpses of promise during his first two years in the league, but it’s hard to look at his contribution last time out with anything other than disappointment.
If the same trend continues in the coming weeks when the Panthers get back down to business, Thomas should be moved on.