The Las Vegas Raiders have added veteran tight end Ian Thomas to their roster as they continue building depth for the 2025 season. The team made the signing official on Tuesday.
Thomas, who will turn 29 in June, brings plenty of NFL experience after spending his entire seven-year career with the Carolina Panthers. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Indiana University, Thomas has served primarily as a reserve tight end but also has starting experience.
Throughout his NFL career, Thomas has appeared in 99 games, earning 54 starts. One of his most productive seasons came in 2022, when he started all 17 games for Carolina. However, his role diminished over the last two seasons due to injuries and depth chart changes. Thomas missed 12 games in 2022 because of injury and was sidelined for five games during the 2023 season.
Statistically, Thomas has totaled 119 receptions in his career, with his best season coming as a rookie when he caught 36 passes. In the past two years, his production was limited, recording only three catches last season and five catches in 2023.
In Las Vegas, Thomas is expected to serve as a backup tight end. The Raiders lost their previous third-string tight end, Harrison Bryant, earlier this month when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The tight end depth chart in Las Vegas is currently headlined by rising star Brock Bowers, who is entering his second NFL season, and Michael Mayer, a third-year player who has been slotted as the No. 2 tight end.
However, there have been recent reports suggesting that Mayer could be available on the trade market. If a trade were to happen, Thomas could move up the depth chart and become the primary backup to Bowers. Additionally, the Raiders might look to add even more depth at the tight end position, depending on how things develop with Mayer.
Overall, the signing of Ian Thomas gives the Raiders an experienced, reliable option at tight end as they continue to shape their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
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