The Las Vegas Raiders could address their tight end depth this offseason, especially with Brock Bowers coming off a nagging PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee that caused him to miss five games. Las Vegas may still trade Michael Mayer after rejecting trade calls at last year’s trade deadline as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The team could look to add a blocking tight end regardless of what they do with Mayer after finishing last in rushing.
Las Vegas Raiders retain key blocking tight end for 2026
Las Vegas Raiders, Ian Thomas
Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) practices before the game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Raiders have re-signed Ian Thomas to a one-year deal for his ninth season in the NFL and second in Las Vegas. He joins Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, Carter Runyon, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., and fullback Connor Heyward as the six tight ends currently under contract. Thomas will compete for the number three tight end position this offseason, and if Mayer gets moved, could step into the number two role.
Free agent tight end Ian Thomas is re-signing with the Raiders on a one-year deal, per source.
Thomas spent his first seven seasons with Carolina before joining Las Vegas in 2025. pic.twitter.com/Y0tHSVonWn
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 7, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Las Vegas Raiders, Ian Thomas
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) runs after the catch against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders signed Ian Thomas to a team-friendly one-year deal last March. He put together a solid first season in Las Vegas, primarily playing on early downs, stepping in when Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer missed time, and logging the third-most snaps at the position. Thomas hauled in all 13 targets for 114 yards and five first downs across 15 games, including ten starts, and accounted for 318 offensive snaps, 72% of which were spent blocking, including 68 pass-blocking reps.