4 Carolina Panthers players who must be demoted immediately
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
We could be looking at the final few games of Ian Thomas’ career with the Carolina Panthers. Something that comes as a blow to both the player and the organization.
Although Thomas has shown some marked improvements from a blocking perspective, the tight end position demands much more in the modern-day game. Considering the athletic attributes the former fourth-round pick brings to the table, he should be performing a lot better.
Thomas has been a non-factor in the passing game over the last two seasons. Carolina gave the Indiana product ample opportunity to become Greg Olsen’s long-term successor and for whatever reason, it’s just not come together.
The Panthers should look to begin transitioning Tommy Tremble into the No. 1 spot over the next four games. That means shouldering similar responsibilities in protection and earning more targets in the hope he can build momentum and become a more established presence in 2022.
Tremble certainly has the physical skills to become a complete tight end with more refinement. The best way for Carolina to speed up his development is by featuring the Notre Dame product more than he has been of late.
There is little doubt Thomas will find a new home in free agency with a team that could make better use of his skills. But that’s unlikely to be in Carolina and a changing of the guard at tight end is now essential.