Carolina Panthers final 53-man roster projection for 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers TEs (3)
- Dan Arnold, Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas.
The tight end position is an area of the field that has to get better in 2021. Greg Olsen’s consistency and red-zone presence was a big-time loss for the Carolina Panthers last season and quarterback Sam Darnold needs a security blanket across the middle when pressure inevitably comes throughout the campaign.
Thankfully, this is something the Panthers also recognized. Dan Arnold’s done well this offseason following his free-agent switch from the Arizona Cardinals, with his length and ball skills something that could assist this passing attack an untold amount.
Carolina also spent a third-round pick to bring Tommy Tremble to the franchise during the 2021 NFL Draft. The Notre Dame product is a fearless blocker that’s caught a few balls in the preseason, so hopes are high he could become the complete package when it’s all said and done.
Although there were some doubts about his future, it appears as if the Panthers are willing to give Ian Thomas one more opportunity heading into a contract year.
He blew a big chance to become the team’s long-term option at the position last season, but head coach Matt Rhule commended the player for a completely different approach throughout this summer’s preparation period.
The Panthers won’t take four tight ends onto the roster. So the smart money is on this trio over someone like Colin Thompson.