The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the strongest tight end groups in the league, but they continue to bolster their depth. After losing Harrison Bryant to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, the team needed a new TE3. On Tuesday, the Raiders announced the signing of veteran tight end Ian Thomas.
Thomas, a former fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent his entire career with the Carolina Panthers before joining Las Vegas. Over seven seasons, he started 54 games and was productive enough to earn a three-year, $16.95 million contract extension in 2022. However, injuries limited him over the past two seasons, including a stint on Injured Reserve in 2024, where he played just five games. When healthy, he can be a reliable option for the Raiders.
This signing also fuels speculation that the Raiders might consider trading former second-round pick Michael Mayer. While rookie Brock Bowers is expected to be the top tight end, Mayer, a highly regarded prospect out of Notre Dame, could seek an opportunity to be a team’s primary option elsewhere. Adding Thomas provides the Raiders with more flexibility should they receive a compelling trade offer for Mayer.
While the terms of Thomas’ contract have not been disclosed, it is likely a short-term deal, possibly just one year.
