Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Ian Thomas takes pay cut


TheSpecialJuan
 Share

Recommended Posts

32 minutes ago, Khyber53 said:

Right now that $2 million and not having to fill the roster spot could be important. Had we cut him and had to back fill there's an expense there. There's also a shortage of draft pick spots right now and while TE was much, much more important to fill a few days ago, now we're looking at really having to use that on WR, perhaps multiple times.

Lastly, neither you nor I know how big of a deal Thomas is in the locker room and if the rebuild is going to really take off fast, sometimes you keep some of these guys just to keep it from looking like we're having a wholesale hog killing.

We may need him for Special Teams, too, where he has been a contributor, if not a standout. Warm bodies and all...

I can honestly say that A) I don’t recall Ian Thomas standing out the entire year and B) I would bet decent money that if released we could probably re-sign him after the draft.

Also, philosophically, I disagree with your draft approach. We are not competing for a SB this year. Simple as that. Hurst is a middle of the road TE. He’s got a bigger name than his results and he’s going to be 30 before the season starts and he’s on his 4th team. At this point Hurst has 1700 total yards. Olsen at this point had already been to the pro bowl and had over 5000 yards. He’s not going to be a stud, he just plugs a hole filled by possibly the worst TE1 in the league. If we pass over a potential stud TE in this best TE class in many years for a middling WR in a not so good WR class then we are doing a disservice to our QB.*

We traded away a lot to get our rookie QB. I’m fine with Hurst and Sanders, but I hope we aren’t drafting to try and fill open spots or find our DJ if the draft isn’t deep at those spots. It shouldn’t be about winning this year if it costs us way more cap than it should (FA WRs are terrible) or if we don’t go true BPA. I’m patient if the rookie flashes, we all will be. We picked a great year to need a TE, wouldn’t be good if we waste it on keeping Thomas.

* Not saying don’t draft a WR this year if a good one drops, just don’t reach for a WR. DJ was the first WR taken and he dropped to 20 or 21 because it was a bad class. Maybe that happens this year and one of the top tier WRs fall.

Edited by WhoKnows
  • Pie 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, WhoKnows said:

I can honestly say that A) I don’t recall Ian Thomas standing out the entire year and B) I would bet decent money that if released we could probably re-sign him after the draft.

Also, philosophically, I disagree with your draft approach. We are not competing for a SB this year. Simple as that. Hurst is a middle of the road TE. He’s got a bigger name than his results and he’s going to be 30 before the season starts and he’s on his 4th team. At this point Hurst has 1700 total yards. Olsen at this point had already been to the pro bowl and had over 5000 yards. He’s not going to be a stud, he just plugs a hole filled by possibly the worst TE1 in the league. If we pass over a potential stud TE in this best TE class in many years for a middling WR in a not so good WR class then we are doing a disservice to our QB.*

We traded away a lot to get our rookie QB. I’m fine with Hurst and Sanders, but I hope we aren’t drafting to try and fill open spots or find our DJ if the draft isn’t deep at those spots. It shouldn’t be about winning this year if it costs us way more cap than it should (FA WRs are terrible) or if we don’t go true BPA. I’m patient if the rookie flashes, we all will be. We picked a great year to need a TE, wouldn’t be good if we waste it on keeping Thomas.

* Not saying don’t draft a WR this year if a good one drops, just don’t reach for a WR. DJ was the first WR taken and he dropped to 20 or 21 because it was a bad class. Maybe that happens this year and one of the top tier WRs fall.

Ian Thomas isn't a hill I'm willing to die on or spend more time discussing. Good luck!

  • Beer 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Smithers said:

It’s rare for players to take outright pay cuts.  Kudos to Ian for agreeing to this

yes, I think he knew it was very bad deal for Carolina & he had no business making that money. 

There are 3 deals that FIT made during the Rhule era that should have never been made: 

Extending Robbie after we drafted Terrace. Fit fixed it after Rhule was gone.

Extending Ian to 3yrs $16.5M...Fit just fixed it with a pay cut.

Extending Donte Jackson 3yrs $35M...Fit needs to get Donte to take a big pay cut.

I think Rhule forced all of these moves & now that he is gone, we are slowing fixing them.

 

  • Pie 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Byrdman4real said:

Not only that, this draft is a TE gold mine. Its best to take advantage of the opportunity that's not normal. 

We have limited picks the next few years and a rookie QB who doesn’t have to win the SB this year or next. We aren’t Mahomes’ KC that was in the playoffs before he started or Burrow’s Bengals that didn’t have to trade up. It’s likely going to take us more than 2 or 3 years to get to a SB. We have to draft extra value with every pick. No more wasting picks on long snappers. You take the day 2 ranked G instead. If it’s the best TE class in years and guys in the 2nd are 1sts in other years, take advantage so that you earn back your trade value in the draft.

  • Pie 1
  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, Ivory Panther said:

yes, I think he knew it was very bad deal for Carolina & he had no business making that money. 

There are 3 deals that FIT made during the Rhule era that should have never been made: 

Extending Robbie after we drafted Terrace. Fit fixed it after Rhule was gone.

Extending Ian to 3yrs $16.5M...Fit just fixed it with a pay cut.

Extending Donte Jackson 3yrs $35M...Fit needs to get Donte to take a big pay cut.

I think Rhule forced all of these moves & now that he is gone, we are slowing fixing them.

#4) Don't forget picking up Sam Darnold's 5th year option as well.

  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 minutes ago, Ivory Panther said:

yes, I think he knew it was very bad deal for Carolina & he had no business making that money. 

There are 3 deals that FIT made during the Rhule era that should have never been made: 

Extending Robbie after we drafted Terrace. Fit fixed it after Rhule was gone.

Extending Ian to 3yrs $16.5M...Fit just fixed it with a pay cut.

Extending Donte Jackson 3yrs $35M...Fit needs to get Donte to take a big pay cut.

I think Rhule forced all of these moves & now that he is gone, we are slowing fixing them.

 

It hurts seeing Sportrac assign a market value of 1.5M to Donte 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

44 minutes ago, NanuqoftheNorth said:

#4) Don't forget picking up Sam Darnold's 5th year option as well.

Although I'm still not convinced Fitterer doesn't deserve some amount of the credit for all 4 of those blunders i have to agree. 

Edited by Jon Snow
  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not to discredit Fitterer, as in my book he gets a clean slate post Rhule post Tepper 2.0 (we’ll see how long that lasts).

But Wilks was the Robbie reason. Loved it too. Take no BS.
Fit did his job to clean up the mess and make something out of the spilled milk.  

edit: if I could rule out the other suspects, Fit would be being looked at harder though. 

Edited by stratocatter
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, stratocatter said:

Not to discredit Fitterer, as in my book he gets a clean slate post Rhule post Tepper 2.0 (we’ll see how long that lasts).

But Wilks was the Robbie reason. Loved it too. Take no BS.
Fit did his job to clean up the mess and make something out of the spilled milk.  

edit: if I could rule out the other suspects, Fit would be being looked at harder though. 

Wilks had no say in player personnel, only coaching staff.

As head coach, he could bench Robby, but he had no power to cut or trade him.

Edited by Mr. Scot
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, Prowler2k18 said:

Seems to be defining his role in Reich’s offense which is primarily what he does best - blocking. 

Great move to adjust his salary accordingly.

Ian Thomas is worth a roster spot as a blocker.  Our room game down the stretch last years is nowhere as effective without him.  I get he doesn't bring much as a receiver, but him taking a pay cut is a good move for both sides.

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, Seltzer said:

Ian Thomas is worth a roster spot as a blocker.  Our room game down the stretch last years is nowhere as effective without him.  I get he doesn't bring much as a receiver, but him taking a pay cut is a good move for both sides.

There are loads of indications that our offense this year could be very run heavy.

That's a situation that makes a good run blocking tight end more valuable.

  • Pie 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He should have never been paid what he was given in the first place.  He should get maybe $1M/yr.

He is not a complete TE and is only half good at blocking.

Thinking about it, this was too harsh.  Thomas is fine when he is engaged in the game and is doing his best blocking.  I have seen some half assed blocking from him in the past though and then some Grade A too (especially for Cam).  So let's hope Ian is motivated and makes 2-3 or those "where the hell did that catch come from" catches next season.

Edited by Rocky Davis
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/bestavailable
    • https://www.pff.com/news/draft-the-best-remaining-players-ahead-of-day-3
    • Per PFF: 1. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee Volunteers McCoy's medical evaluations will be critical, but based on his measurables and 2024 tape, he profiles as a first-round talent with shutdown potential in press-man coverage. 2. CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils Abney's lack of length and top-tier athleticism may limit him to zone schemes, but his competitiveness and run-defense mentality make him a valuable rotational defensive back with starter potential. 3. CB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL) Hurricanes Scott is a tone-setter in run defense with a physical mentality. His zone coverage is adequate, but man coverage limitations may restrict his role. 4. WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies Bell looked uncoverable at times against his level of competition in his final season and, despite below-average size and athleticism, produced like a top-100 prospect as a productive slot receiver. 5. WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State Bison Lance dominated FCS competition as a versatile “X” receiver. He moves well for his size and pairs that with reliable contested-catch production, giving him a strong case as an early Day 3 pick with the potential to develop into a contributing NFL receiver. 6. ED Joshua Josephs, Tennessee Volunteers Josephs has an appealing blend of size and explosiveness but must improve his technique and anticipation to reach his potential. 7. ED Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State Nittany Lions Dennis-Sutton projects best as a 3-4 defensive end with some 4-3 flexibility. His length and size are clear strengths, though his agility in space is more limited. With ascending play, he could be drafted higher than his current tape suggests. 8. DI Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners Halton is an undersized, versatile defensive lineman who wins with quickness, effort and movement skills. His lack of strength can be an issue, but he fits well in multiple or movement-based fronts. 9. HB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks Washington brings alluring size, straight-line speed and yards-after-contact potential as a power back, but also noticeably good vision and footwork to be a potential early-down back in a committee in a man- or gap-scheme run game. 10. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana Hoosiers Sarratt may profile as a below-average athlete for an NFL “X” receiver, but there is still plenty to like in his game. His strong hands, coordination and determination at the catch point — combined with his constant competitiveness — give him starter potential as an outside WR2 in offenses that value jump-ball opportunities. 11. WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma Sooners Burks' size and production do not clearly point to a future NFL contributor, but his athleticism and strength make him difficult to dismiss. He offers intriguing upside as an explosive slot receiver, though he may not fit every scheme. 12. DI Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles Jackson is a massive, powerful defensive tackle with imposing physical traits. When his hand usage is right, he can be dominant, but inconsistency in technique and processing limits his impact. He remains a high-upside prospect. 13. C Connor Lew, Auburn Tigers Lew is a technically sound center with excellent leverage, balance and posture. His consistent fundamentals allow him to win positioning battles, though he can struggle against top-end power due to his lighter build. His upside is high given his age and technique. 14. LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers Louis is an undersized linebacker who projects best as a versatile space defender. In the right role, he can be an impact nickel player thanks to his explosiveness and coverage ability. 15. S Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans Ramsey provides versatility with the ability to play both safety spots and the slot, particularly in two-high looks. His lighter build and good — but not elite — athleticism cap his ceiling. 16. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke Blue Devils Rivers logged 3,186 defensive snaps across four seasons at Duke and allowed just one touchdown in coverage in 2025, with a sub-85.0 passer rating when targeted for the third straight year. He earned a 90.7 PFF grade in 2024 before taking a step back in 2025. Over the past three seasons, he has been flagged just four times while playing more than 70% of his snaps on the outside. 17. C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats Hecht delivered a strong 2025 campaign, earning an 80.3 PFF overall grade that ranked fourth among centers. He brings a balanced profile, ranking 10th in PFF run-blocking grade (77.7) while holding up adequately in pass protection. Across 759 snaps, he allowed just seven pressures, with zero sacks and zero quarterback hits, and committed no penalties. 18. CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators Moore is an appealing Day 2 prospect with a strong blend of length, speed and ball skills for press-man coverage, though his injury history could impact his draft position. 19. G Jalen Farmer, Kentucky Wildcats Farmer put together a solid but unspectacular 2025 season, earning a 69.8 PFF overall grade that ranked 93rd among guards. His best work came in pass protection, where his 72.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 256th, while his 67.4 run-blocking grade ranked 113th. Across 818 snaps, he allowed 14 pressures, including three sacks and no quarterback hits, and committed one penalty. 20. ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide Overton fits best as a 3-4 defensive end with inside-out versatility. He can contribute in a 4-3 as a power end, but his lack of bend and stride length limits his ability to consistently threaten the edge. 21. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers Nussmeier brings NFL bloodlines and a polished, foundational approach to the position, traits that fuel his confidence as a vertical pocket passer. However, his average arm strength and below-average stature could create challenges for his aggressive, gunslinging style at the next level. 22. DI Rayshaun Benny, Michigan Wolverines Benny earned a 79.3 PFF grade in 2025, ranking 62nd among 887 qualifying interior defenders. He posted a 68.5 pass-rush grade (161st) and an 83.5 run-defense grade (35th). His production leaned toward run defense, with a clear disparity between phases. 23. S Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats Smith has intriguing size and athletic traits for a single-high role, but inconsistency with physicality and play strength limits his reliability. 24. HB Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies Coleman may not have the flashy athleticism of a fan-favorite RB1, but his game is efficient, powerful and translatable to NFL success, specifically behind zone-blocking schemes where he can gain momentum and one-cut into rushing lanes. He also brings plus third-down reliability as a receiver and pass protector. 25. LB Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State Sun Devils Elliott has shown flashes as a downhill player, with effectiveness as a run defender and blitzer, but his below-average frame helps explain his limitations in coverage. He earned PFF grades of 67.8 in 2024 and 67.5 in 2025, which reflect a steady but unspectacular profile. His struggles in coverage may limit his role at the next level, though he still offers some starting upside in the right situation. 26. S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions Wheatley is a long, springy athlete best suited for single-high roles. His slender build can be exposed in the box, but he offers strong range and coverage ability in space. 27. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas Longhorns Muhammad is a decorated cornerback from one of the nation's best secondaries, and his size and pedigree point to starting potential at the next level, particularly in a zone-oriented scheme. He earned PFF grades of 78.5 in 2023, 71.7 in 2024 and 70.8 in 2025. His lighter frame and limited disruptiveness remain concerns and may factor into evaluations despite the overall profile. 28. TE Michael Trigg, Baylor Bears Trigg may have one of the widest ranges of outcomes in the 2026 class. At his best, his vertical athleticism and contested-catch ability suggest top-50 potential, but inconsistencies with technique and focus create volatility in his projection. 29. DI Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati Bearcats Corleone, known as “The Godfather,” was one of the most dominant run defenders in 2022, using his size and strength to control the line of scrimmage. His performance has declined in recent seasons, and his 2024 medical history adds some concern. He offers rare quickness for a nose tackle and can control blockers despite shorter arms, though his pass-rush impact remains limited. He projects as a traditional 3-4 nose tackle. 30. T Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M Aggies Crownover stands out for his massive frame at 6-foot-7 and 319 pounds with over 35-inch arms, which should earn him a look at the next level. However, he must translate those physical traits more consistently in pass protection to reach his potential. He earned a 58.4 pass-blocking grade in 2025 and allowed two sacks, two hits and 23 hurries across 428 pass-blocking snaps. 31. ED Anthony Lucas, USC Trojans Lucas has an NFL-ready frame and good overall athleticism for his size, but he does not consistently win quickly enough to project as a full-time edge rusher. His length and strength give him versatility across the front in odd schemes. 32. LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama Crimson Tide Lawson is undersized but experienced and quick. He projects as a rotational linebacker with some starting potential. 33. DI Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana Lions Proctor, No. 111 on PFF’s Big Board, offers an unusual profile given his size and level of competition, but his explosiveness and pass-rushing ability stand out. His 2025 production supports that evaluation, as he earned an 86.5 PFF grade and generated 39 pressures, including nine sacks, four hits and 26 hurries. His performance against LSU in particular highlights his upside and reinforces his case as a potential late-round value. 34. CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M Aggies Lee, No. 114 on PFF’s Big Board, offers an intriguing developmental profile, as his size, length and leaping ability translate to strong ball skills. He earned a 66.5 PFF grade in 2025 after a stronger 76.2 mark in 2023, and he recorded eight pass breakups in each of the past two seasons. His run defense, tackling and penalty discipline remain areas for improvement, but the physical tools and ball production point to late-round value. 35. G Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schrauth’s career included injury setbacks, but his play on the field showed a high level of performance for Notre Dame. He earned an 82.7 pass-blocking grade and a 73.1 run-blocking grade in 2025, and he did not allow a sack or a hit while surrendering just two hurries across 213 pass-blocking snaps. His game features strong pad level, a firm anchor in pass protection and good grip strength, though balance and foot speed present some limitations. The overall profile supports projection as a starting-caliber interior lineman. 36. WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State Bulldogs Thompson’s elite speed and big-play ability will draw interest, but his below-average size and inconsistent contested-catch rate complicate his projection. He ran a 4.26 40-yard dash, which ranks in the 100th percentile at the position, along with a 2.53-second 20-yard split in the 93rd percentile. In 2025, he caught 57 of 87 targets for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 2.77 yards per route run and 4.3 yards after the catch per reception
×
×
  • Create New...