The Carolina Panthers have been quite busy in free agency, and it doesn’t look like they’re done just yet.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Thursday morning, tight end Ian Thomas has agreed to a pay cut—one that’ll free up $2.875 million in salary cap space for the Panthers. The reductions, which span over the next two seasons, will move his base pay down to $3 million for 2023 and $3.65 million for 2024.
Thomas was re-signed to his three-year, $16.5 million deal ahead of free agency last offseason. He received $8 million in guarantees from the pact.
The 2018 fourth-round has made that money off his blocking prowess, as he’s not been particularly productive through the air. Thomas, over 82 career games, has amassed 111 receptions for 999 yards and four touchdowns.
This past season, the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder recorded 197 receiving yards and zero touchdowns—marking his fourth consecutive campaign under 200 yards and second consecutive without a score.
On Wednesday, Carolina came to terms on a three-year, $21.75 million deal with fellow tight end Hayden Hurst—who will, presumably, give the offense some pass-catching production it’s otherwise been missing from the position.
