The Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their tight end depth by signing unrestricted free agent Ian Thomas, as announced by the team on Tuesday. Thomas brings seven years of NFL experience to the Raiders, having spent his entire career with the Carolina Panthers.
Originally drafted in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, Thomas has appeared in 99 career games, starting 54, and has accumulated 119 receptions for 1,062 yards (8.9 avg.) and four touchdowns.
At 28 years old, has primarily established himself as a blocking tight end. This will make him an ideal pairing for tight end Brock Bowers, who led the team in receiving last year.
The Raiders have been openly shopping former second-round pick Michael Mayer for the last few weeks. This is yet another move signaling the end of his time with the team.
Las Vegas Raiders Sign TE Ian Thomas
Thomas’s 2024 season was cut short, as he played in only five games with two starts before being placed on the Reserve/Injured List. In his limited 2024 appearances, Thomas recorded three receptions for seven yards on six targets. His experience and blocking prowess will add valuable depth to the Raiders’ tight end position. His most productive season came as a rookie in 2018, when he recorded career highs in receptions (36), receiving yards (333), and receiving touchdowns (two).
Prior to his NFL career, Thomas played college football at Indiana after transferring from Nassau Community College. In 2017, he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, showcasing his receiving ability with five touchdowns and a 15.0 yards per reception average, ranking him among the nation’s top tight ends.
He played out his initial four-year, $3.2 million rookie contract and subsequently signed a three-year, $17 million deal in 2021. His 2024 salary, which was initially set to carry a $6 million cap hit on a $3.65 million salary, was restructured by the Panthers in March.