Panthers tight end Ian Thomas agrees to pay cut, helps Carolina with salary cap space
The Panthers signed a new tight end while one of their own at the same position agreed to take a pay cut.
Panthers tight end Ian Thomas accepted a pay cut that will reduce his base salary over the next two seasons. Thomas — who signed a three-year, $16.95 million contract last offseason — will make $3 million in 2023 and $3.65 million in 2024. A year ago his new deal had $8 million in guarantees and included a $5 million signing bonus. He caught 21 passes for 197 yards last year.
The move freed up $2.875 million in cap space, which has helped the Panthers sign tight end Hayden Hurst and running back Miles Sanders.
Thomas should help open up running lanes for the Panthers’ new feature back. He is also a natural complement to Hurst. When Carolina deploys 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) Hurst and Thomas can play off each other’s strengths.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 2:59 PM.
