Ian Thomas has “stolen the spotlight” at Tight End for the Panthers during OTAs according to ESPN’s David Newton.
This isn’t the news Ja’Tavion Sanders’ Fantasy Owners are trying to hear at this point in the offseason. Sanders at one time appeared to be the second best Tight End prospect in the 2024 Draft behind Brock Bowers. The NFL expressed different feelings when he went off the board as the fourth Tight End in the draft, landing with the Panthers at the beginning of the 4th round. While he went later than expected, the landing spot offers an immediate opportunity for him to produce, with minimum competition and a new Head Coach that likes getting the Tight End position involved in the passing game.
There has been minimal chatter about Sanders so far as a Carolina Panther, which is a less than stellar sign. It’s still too early to crown Ian Thomas as a potential fantasy difference maker in 2024. This will be a situation to monitor throughout the offseason, as Sanders may won’t warrant a selection in redraft or best ball formats if further reports emerge that Thomas could be the Panthers starter at Tight End in 2024.