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Veteran tight end signs with Raiders to bolster depth

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 4:31 PM ET

As hard as it is to believe, the Las Vegas Raiders have a slight issue with their tight end room.

Despite the record-smashing rookie season by Brock Bowers, the Raiders may have precious little behind him. Third-string tight end Harrison Bryant signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Michael Mayer is a potential trade candidate going into the draft. In order to keep the room stable, the Raiders needed to bring someone in to keep the position from getting too thin.

On Tuesday, the Raiders found a way to address this issue.

The Raiders have agreed to terms with a veteran tight end.

According to a team announcement, the Raiders have signed former Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas.

Done deal.

?: https://t.co/bfAy3O54IC pic.twitter.com/giNjAjzCbY

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 25, 2025

Thomas has been with the Panthers for the last seven seasons since being selected by the team in the fourth round of the 2018 Draft. With 99 career games under his belt (54 starts), Thomas has amassed 119 receptions for 1,062 yards and four touchdowns.

However, Thomas is coming off a 2024 where he only managed to get through five games before being lost for the season due to injury.

At this stage of his career, Thomas is better serving as a blocking tight end. That alone is more than enough, as the Raiders already have Bowers to handle any and all pass-catching duties. If anything, the addition of Thomas provides much-needed insurance in case Mayer ends up getting traded.

Thomas now adds some veteran stability to a position that needed some depth behind their All-Pro starter.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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