5 Carolina Panthers players who need a change of scenery in 2022
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
If there was one player that needed a change of scenery more than most others, then Ian Thomas is that guy. Things looked incredibly promising for the tight end after starring in Greg Olsen’s absence as a rookie, which was enough for the Carolina Panthers to give him a shot at winning the No. 1 spot long-term once the Pro Bowler departed in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks.
What’s happened since has been concerning. Thomas has improved his blocking an untold amount, but he’s been a relative non-factor in the passing game over the last two seasons as offensive coordinator Joe Brady clearly doesn’t have the confidence to give the former fourth-round pick a leading role.
Carolina still has high hopes for rookie Tommy Tremble, who is still a little raw but has the athleticism to potentially be a complete tight end moving forward. This won’t help Thomas’ prospects much, so looking for another place to call home in free agency could be the springboard to bigger and better things.
Thomas has brought in 13 of 23 targets for 146 receiving yards this season. This is already one yard more than he accomplished in 2021, but that’s not exactly a high bar to surpass.
The Indiana product would get another chance somewhere, his physical attributes probably dictate that. So it might be wise for the player to get a better fit rather than relying on scraps in Brady’s scheme.