Carolina Panthers re-sign top tight end to keep him from NFL free agency
With free agency set to begin in a few weeks, the Panthers are bringing back their best blocking tight end.
The Panthers announced Friday morning that they have re-signed tight end Ian Thomas to a three-year contract extension. Thomas was set to become an unrestricted free agent and was eligible to sign with any team when the new league year begins on March 16.
But Carolina wanted Thomas back to pair him with Tommy Tremble in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s new offense.
The deal is worth $16.95 million. He’ll get about $6.43 million in the first year and $8 million guaranteed, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.
Thomas emerged as a valuable blocker this season while also catching 18 passes for 188 yards. He was the team’s fourth-round pick in 2018.
The tight end room in Carolina is taking form as Thomas joins Tremble, Stephen Sullivan, Colin Thompson and Giovanni Ricci under contract.
The Panthers still have 19 unrestricted free agents, including outside linebacker Haason Reddick and cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 9:35 AM.
