In a surprising move, the Carolina Panthers have decided to part ways with their long-standing linebacker, Shaq Thompson. Despite being on the cusp of unrestricted free agency, Thompson was notified by the team that they will not be offering him a new contract. As a result, Thompson is now expected to explore other opportunities in the upcoming free agency period.
Having spent a remarkable decade with the Panthers, the 30-year-old linebacker’s recent seasons have been marred by injuries, limiting his appearances to just six games over the last two years. Drafted as the team’s first-round pick in 2014, Thompson has accumulated an impressive 752 tackles during his tenure, placing him fourth in the franchise’s history behind notable names like Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, and Mike Minter.
Thompson made an immediate impact in his rookie season by reaching the Super Bowl in 2015 and has since been honored as a team captain on five separate occasions. Panthers’ general manager Dan Morgan expressed gratitude for Thompson’s leadership and commitment throughout his tenure, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to both the team and his fellow players. Morgan’s statement praised Thompson for his passion and motivation, emphasizing the positive influence he had on his teammates on and off the field.
Despite posting a career-best 135 tackles in 2022, Thompson’s subsequent seasons were marred by unfortunate injuries. Following a broken ankle in Week 2 of the 2023 season, he suffered another setback in 2024 when he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4, prematurely ending his campaign once again. Over the course of his 10 seasons in Carolina, Thompson appeared in a total of 123 games, leaving behind a lasting legacy within the organization.
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