5 questionable Carolina Panthers offseason moves in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers extended Ian Thomas
There was an opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to reset their ethos at the tight end position with Ian Thomas out of contract. The former fourth-round pick out of Indiana did not factor much in the passing game when tasked with filling the void left by Greg Olsen and many anticipated that he would be moved on with little fanfare when the free-agent frenzy began.
As it turned out, Thomas was given a new three-year deal by the Panthers to prevent him from hitting the market. Something of a surprise, but the presence of offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was a clear influential factor in Carolina’s though-making process regarding the player.
McAdoo sees tight end involvement as a far more important method of production than Joe Brady. He also appears confident that Thomas has the skillset to make a serious contribution to his system.
Couple this with the potential breakout capabilities of Tommy Tremble and it’s a positional group that the Panthers felt good leaving unaltered during the offseason.
Thomas’ contract is structured in a way that ensures the Panthers can remove him from the equation at a minimal cost this time next year. This appears to be his final chance to reach expectations in Carolina, but whether he is capable of accomplishing this is the big question.