We have a competition at TE, folks

[MechaZain]

Either some galaxy brain coach speak from Rhule or Ian's not ready to lie down just yet.

[LinvilleGorge]

There's a pretty good history of Rhule making comments along these lines and then shortly after we part ways with said player.

Thomas has talent. I hope it's true. I just never know what to make of Rhule's comments. Too often in the past his comments have said one thing and actions have said the opposite.

[BrianS]

I'm shocked that we as Panthers fans haven't yet realized that our head coach is NOT an open book any longer.  Rhule is far, far better at coach speak than any of our prior HC's.  He will absolutely tell you with a straight face how excited he is about _______________ only to cut / trade him two days later.  He'll reveal literally nothing of consequence.

Thank goodness.  We've need a guy who can actually play the coach game for a long time.  We simply need to learn that he's doing it, so we can believe only what we see.

 

[Mr. Scot]

Thomas is still on a rookie contract, so he's not expensive.

Since teams typically keep three tight ends, for him to not make the team would require three guys be better than him.

Looking at our current roster (barring any changes) I think it's very possible that two guys will be. I'm not so sure about three.

Edited June 3, 2021 by Mr. Scot

[rayzor]

It won't take long for Thomas to become the 3rd best TE on the team with the least amount of reps.

[BurnNChinn]

40 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

There's a pretty good history of Rhule making comments along these lines and then shortly after we part ways with said player.

Thomas has talent. I hope it's true. I just never know what to make of Rhule's comments. Too often in the past his comments have said one thing and actions have said the opposite.

And we would save 2 million in cap space, so to me it’s not good for Ian.

[PantherPhann89]

37 minutes ago, BrianS said:

I'm shocked that we as Panthers fans haven't yet realized that our head coach is NOT an open book any longer.  Rhule is far, far better at coach speak than any of our prior HC's.  He will absolutely tell you with a straight face how excited he is about _______________ only to cut / trade him two days later.  He'll reveal literally nothing of consequence.

Thank goodness.  We've need a guy who can actually play the coach game for a long time.  We simply need to learn that he's doing it, so we can believe only what we see.

 

And I'd still immediately take Rule over Rivera...

[Riverboat Ron]

Maybe trying to drum up trade interest.

[SBBlue]

2 minutes ago, Riverboat Ron said:

Maybe trying to drum up trade interest.

I was thinking just softening his landing so other coaches know he's put in the work.  I would be surprised if we got anything for him.

[Moo Daeng]

They all do different things and will be used differently IMO. I don't really see it as a competition such as you would see at QB. Thomas is the most traditional TE and if he can show improvement will likely share the field with both of them at different times.

[vorbis]

the thing that always stood out to me about Ian Thomas is how easy he goes down with the slightest bit of contact, and how awkward he seems changing direction or catching and turning to run, that sort of thing. when he gets hit, he seems to fall down a lot like me. aaaaaand I have a disability that dramatically affects my legs. which ain't good for a professional athlete.

not sure if it's something that can be improved by stepping up your training regimen or not.

[top dawg]

I'm thinking that Rhule was talking more in terms of offseason conditioning, but we'll see.

[Black&BlueBubba]

A competitive competition at TE isn’t something we have had in a decade.  First bc of 88 and then lock of talent and depth. 
It will be a fun addition to training camp.  

[DCR]

1 hour ago, BurnNChinn said:

And we would save 2 million in cap space, so to me it’s not good for Ian.

 

That's the deciding thing .

Whether he is worth the money.