Ian Thomas, a 30-year-old blocking tight end, was re-signed by the Las Vegas Raiders to a modest one-year, $1.6 million deal in April, a move that looks more critical than ever as head coach Klint Kubiak gears up to unleash a truly unique offensive scheme. Kubiak is known for his love of multiple tight end sets, and while Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer are set to grab headlines, the depth behind them is absolutely vital for what’s coming.
Kubiak’s Wild Offensive Plan Hinges on Deep Tight End Room
Kubiak’s playbook isn’t just about two-tight end alignments; that’s 12 Personnel, and it’s a staple, sure. But we’re talking about a coach who isn’t afraid to roll out 13 and even 23 Personnel packages, meaning three tight ends on the field. This completely bucks the old-school idea that three tight ends automatically signals a predictable run play. No, Kubiak’s style is all about defying those traditional expectations, which means he’ll use these heavy sets in ways that keep defenses guessing. That kind of versatility means you can’t just rely on your top two guys; injuries are a part of this league, and every single body in that tight end room matters.
Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon: The Unsung Heroes of Kubiak’s Vision
This is where Thomas comes in, big time. Despite Bowers and Mayer being the younger stars, Thomas actually logged the most snaps of any Raiders tight end in 2025 with 318 snaps across 15 games, 10 of which were starts. The dude isn’t just a blocker; he’s a sneaky pass catcher, hauling in 13 passes for 114 yards last year. His sustained blocking experience and his ability to catch the rock makes him a reliable, familiar piece for Kubiak’s scheme. And then there’s Carter Runyon, the 24-year-old undrafted free agent, who was next up in terms of snaps from 2025. Runyon tallied 45 offensive snaps and 206 on special teams, finishing his rookie season with one catch for three yards in 13 games. He might have been buried on the depth chart, but Runyon offers those “leak” or “play action” receiving skills, making him a vertical and “ho” target. Both these guys add layers of unpredictability to what Kubiak wants to do.
With rookies set to report to training camp on July 23 and veterans on July 28, all eyes will be on how Kubiak utilizes this tight end group. Watching how Thomas and Runyon fit into those advanced 13 and 23 Personnel sets, and seeing if they can truly stretch the field in unexpected ways, will be something to keep an eye on when camp kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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