IAN THOMAS NEWS

Re-signs on three-year deal Thomas agreed to terms with Carolina on a three-year contract Friday.

Impact Thomas was scheduled to hit free agency mid-March, but he will instead stick with the team that initially selected him back in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Though the 26-year-old was effectively invisible for fantasy purposes in 2021 -- he posted just 18 catches for 188 yards without a touchdown across 17 appearances -- he did solidify himself as a capable blocker. That said, positional teammate Tommy Tremble could well be the more interesting fantasy option next season.

FEBRUARY 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

PHOTOS: Ian Thomas through the years Ian Thomas has played four seasons with Carolina after getting drafted out of Indiana in 2018.

FEBRUARY 25, 2022 • PANTHERS.COM

No looks in finale Thomas was not targeted in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

Impact Thomas saw rookie Tommy Tremble return to the lineup and lead him in offensive snaps, contributing toward another quiet outing. Despite starting 13 of 17 games this season, Thomas managed just 18 catches on 30 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns. The former fourth-round pick is now slated to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason, when he could offer depth to a team's options at tight end, with it unclear whether the Panthers will try to bring him back.

JANUARY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team in receiving Thomas caught all three of his targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints.

Impact Thomas paced the Panthers in receiving yards while teammate Tommy Tremble wasn't activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. His output was fueled by a 21-yard reception on Carolina's opening drive, gaining more yardage on that play than he'd posted in 11 individual games this season. In playing nearly 90 percent of the offensive snaps Sunday, Thomas would again stand to benefit should Tremble remain sidelined in Week 18 versus the Buccaneers, but his upside is nonetheless relatively restricted overall.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Could see big snap count Thomas and recent practice squad call-up ?Stephen Sullivan? are left as the only tight ends on Carolina's roster as Sunday's game against the Saints approaches after Tommy Tremble...

Impact Thomas could be headed for a three-down role, though he's had that opportunity plenty of times in the past and never did much with it. He's also been quiet this season while splitting snaps with Tremble, catching 15 passes for 155 yards in 15 games.

JANUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rhule: Panthers owner has been 'tremendously supportive'

Matt Rhule seems to have the support of Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper despite two straight double-digit loss seasons to start his NFL head coaching career

DECEMBER 27, 2021 • Associated Press

Makes one catch Thomas caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 31-14 loss to the Bills.

Impact Thomas trailed rookie Tommy Tremble in snaps, but he at least hauled in the only look sent his way. Given his small role, though, the veteran holds little fantasy value ahead of Week 16's matchup versus the Bucs.

DECEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Targeted twice Sunday Thomas didn't catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 29-21 loss to the Falcons.

Impact Thomas played one more offensive snap than fellow tight end Tommy Tremble, but the rookie caught both of his targets for 23 yards, again outperforming Thomas statistically. With just three receptions for 26 yards over his last six appearances, Thomas' fantasy value is extremely restricted.

DECEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Makes one grab Thomas caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 27-21 loss to Washington.

Impact Thomas has now hauled in just one pass in three straight games. In comparison, rookie Tommy Tremble caught two balls Sunday, going for 35 yards. Given his low involvement, Thomas holds minimal fantasy value.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

NFL-best Cardinals try to keep mojo vs. struggling Panthers

The Arizona Cardinals take their NFL-best 8-1 record into a home matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 • Associated Press

Darnold's long-, short-term future with Panthers in doubt

The Panthers traded away three draft picks for Sam Darnold with the idea they could resurrect his career and he could develop into the franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • Associated Press

Pats shut down Darnold, Panthers, cruise to 24-6 victory

Mac Jones overcame two early turnovers and threw for 139 yards and a touchdown, J

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • Associated Press

Makes one catch Thomas caught his only target for 10 yards in Sunday's 19-13 win over the Falcons.

Impact Thomas saw rookie Tommy Tremble outperform him for the second straight game, but neither tight end is particularly impactful from a fantasy perspective. Through eight games, Thomas now sports just 11 catches on 17 targets for 130 yards and no touchdowns.

NOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Blanked versus Giants Thomas didn't catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 25-3 loss to the Giants.

Impact Thomas played 70 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps, but a horrible performance on that side of the ball restricted the output of most players. Even though he usually carries limited upside, Thomas will nonetheless strive for an improved showing while the offense rebounds as a whole in Week 8 versus the Falcons.

OCTOBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

FANTASY PLAYS: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 7

Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans are in a great spot against the Kansas City Chiefs, though he could have to play without tackle Taylor Lewan and possibly without receiver J...

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • Associated Press

Makes long catch Thomas caught one of two targets for 41 yards in Sunday's 34-28 overtime loss against the Vikings.

Impact Thomas was responsible for Carolina's longest offensive play of the day, helping him finish second on the team in receiving yards. The tight end has now posted at least 40 yards in consecutive contests, but considering he's only hauled in more than one pass in two of six games played so far, Thomas doesn't get enough volume to be a very impactful fantasy contributor.

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Cousins throws TD pass in OT; Vikings beat Panthers 34-28

Kirk Cousins completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to K

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • Associated Press

Best outing of season Thomas caught four of five targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Eagles.

Impact Thomas once again played over 60 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps and helped the team with a couple of gains for first downs. With a long reception of 24 yards, Thomas enjoyed his best performance of the campaign, and although rookie Tommy Tremble managed a five-yard touchdown early, Thomas' outing Sunday still offers a slight boost to his fantasy stock ahead of Week 6's matchup versus the Vikings.

OCTOBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Pass protection woes continue to plague Panthers

No matter where he goes, Sam Darnold can’t seem to find pass protection

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • Associated Press

Logs three receptions Thomas caught all three of his targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 36-28 loss to the Cowboys.

Impact Thomas no longer had competition from Dan Arnold after the veteran was traded earlier in the week, allowing him to play over 60 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps. Overall though, Thomas' production wasn't too different from his usual output, as he caught a few short passes underneath. Despite now being the nominal starter, Thomas' upside remains restricted by his relatively small role within the Panthers' scheme, and rookie third-round tight end Tommy Tremble could also see his role grow over the course of the campaign.

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Makes one catch Thomas caught one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 26-7 win over the Saints.

Impact Thomas made a minimal impact in the passing game, but it's worth noting he once again played more snaps than starting tight end Dan Arnold. In fact, with 52 offensive plays compared to Arnold's 22, Thomas was on the field far more than Arnold, but the latter's three catches for 55 yards Sunday evidenced his greater upside than Thomas, who sports just 24 yards through two games so far and has primarily been used as a blocker.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers hope for better results against post-Brees Saints

The Carolina Panthers could never really figure out Drew Brees when he was playing quarterback for the New Orleans Saints

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • Associated Press

Makes long reception Thomas caught one of two targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 19-14 win over the Jets.

Impact Thomas opened the third quarter with a long gain and actually played two more snaps than starter Dan Arnold, who managed just a pair of catches for six yards. Although Thomas isn't expected to be much of a factor in Carolina's passing game this season, occasional impact plays like Sunday's grab would keep him in the mix for spare looks.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Undersized and overlooked, Patterson makes Washington roster

Jaret Patterson is no stranger to proving doubters wrong

SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 • Associated Press

Camp Highlight: Ian Thomas races to long touchdown Watch P.J. Walker hit Ian Thomas for a long touchdown catch and run during Friday's practice.

JULY 30, 2021 • PANTHERS.COM