4 Panthers players who could be demoted in Week 6 at LA Rams
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
Extending Ian Thomas was a decision the Carolina Panthers would probably like to have back. The tight end offered nothing in the passing game after Greg Olsen was allowed to leave in 2020 free agency and this hasn’t changed like fans thought it might under Ben McAdoo in 2022.
Thomas has flashed moments of quality, but it’s not enough. One could point to the dismal offensive scheme implemented by McAdoo that’s impacting everyone, but the former fourth-round pick is running out of time to prove he’s a reliable starting option.
Now that Matt Rhule isn’t in charge of personnel moves, it could be the chance Carolina needs to demote Thomas in favor of Tommy Tremble, who hasn’t shown a great deal but has athletic upside that could develop into something more.
Thomas has some use as a blocker, for sure. But in terms of pass-catching, he might not become what the Panthers thought when they took him out of Indiana.
That’s not to say the jury isn’t still out on Tremble, too. However, the Panthers are going nowhere fast, so now is the time to put the former Notre Dame standout front and center as a No. 1 tight end and see how he gets on.
If it doesn’t work out, then Carolina can start from scratch at the position next spring.