Overview
- Ian Thomas is returning on a one-year deal, which ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday, keeping the 29-year-old in Las Vegas for a second season.
- He slots behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer and will compete with Carter Runyon and Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. for a roster spot on offense and special teams.
- Last season he played 15 games with 10 starts, caught all 13 targets for 114 yards, and logged about a 36% snap share on offense.
- The contract is expected to be modest and near last year’s $1.52 million figure, and the Raiders have more than $23 million in salary-cap space.
- After seven years with the Panthers, Thomas remains a depth and blocking piece rather than a featured target, which helps preserve continuity at tight end without signaling a larger role.