The Panthers are expected to sign former first-round pick Hayden Hurst to a three-year deal.

Related Players: Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble

Hurst had a one-year "prove it" deal in Cincinnati and delivered, accruing 400+ yards on 50+ catches through 13 games. Carolina will be his fourth home in five seasons, but he provides an offensive crutch for the Pathers' future rookie.

The Carolina Panthers signed TE Ian Thomas to a three-year contract with $16.5 million.

Related Player: Tommy Tremble

This seems like a bit of an overpay for a tight end who has failed to flourish. His career-high in receiving yards is 333, which was collected his rookie year (2018). Head coach Matt Rhule needs to decide if Thomas has any offensive future with the team drafting Tommy Tremble in 2021.

Panthers TE Ian Thomas suffered a toe injury on Monday. X-rays came back negative.

Coach Matt Rhule said Thomas would be back "soon.'' Thomas became the primary receiving TE after the Panthers moved on from Greg Olsen. We think Thomas could be a break-out candidate if things fall into place. He was on pace to be TE9 based on his production last year with Olsen out of the lineup.