4 crucial observations from Panthers GM Scott Fitterer’s combine presser

Extending Ian Thomas explained

Last week, the Carolina Panthers gave Ian Thomas a surprising three-year, $16.95 million contract extension. The decision was a surprising one considering the tight end only has 802 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his career and hasn’t become the dynamic offensive player at the position many hoped.

Thomas has shown promise as a blocker. But since Greg Olsen retired, many thought the Indiana product would develop into a much better offensive player.

When Scott Fitterer was asked about this on Wednesday, one of the biggest reasons revealed why the move was made centered on new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo utilizing tight ends a lot more in his scheme than Joe Brady.

McAdoo has a history of involving his tight ends and Fitterer said he envisions Thomas being utilized a lot more.

Fitterer also noted that Thomas was clocked running 20 miles per hour and there is still “a big future with him”. Basically, the explanation was more about hope than what has actually been shown – only time will tell as to whether the former fourth-round pick can start making the most out of his outstanding physical attributes.