Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction after 2022 minicamp

Carolina Panthers tight ends

• Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble.

Perhaps one of the more bemusing elements of the offseason was the Carolina Panthers doing nothing to strengthen its tight-end options. Ian Thomas was handed a three-year extension after offering almost little to the passing game since Greg Olsen retired and although Tommy Tremble did flash as a rookie, it remains to be seen whether further growth can come from the player in 2022.

Carolina’s new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo clearly feels like he can bring the best out of both players. His scheme is heavily dependent on tight ends making plays across the middle and in the red zone, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Thomas or Tremble can rise to the occasion.

The Panthers also have Stephen Sullivan and Colin Thompson as potential options. But neither featured much last time around and unless substantial improvements are made, this will once again be the case in 2022.

This is a huge confidence boost for both Thomas and Tremble. But if the Panthers don’t like what they see early on, it could see another option come into the fold.

Thomas has the physical tools and is already a very capable blocker. The same applies to Tremble, who could even take over fullback duties and free up another roster spot at the expense of Giovanni Ricci.

However, that is not enough to play tight end in the modern-day NFL. So they have to increase productivity in the passing game next season or the Panthers will likely find someone who can.