If we’re being frank, Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas hasn’t shown up much in the box scores over his entire pro career. But that didn’t stop the 25-year-old from getting paid.
On Friday morning, the team announced a fresh three-year deal for Thomas. And according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the numbers are way prettier than anything you’ll find in those box scores.
Thomas’ new pact, which takes him through the 2024 campaign, is worth $16.5 million. He’ll be paid $6.25 million in 2022 and gets a full guarantee of $8 million.
His average annual salary of $5.5 million makes him the 16th-highest paid tight end in the NFL. That’s one heck of a spot to have considering he’s primarily a blocker who’s totaled just 802 receiving yards and four touchdowns over four seasons.
This move, given their fairly limited cap space and pressing needs elsewhere, will likely take the Panthers out of the running for what’ll be a solid market at the tight end position.
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