The Carolina Panthers have decided not to re-sign veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, ending his 10-year tenure with the team. The 30-year-old free agent, limited to just six games since 2022 due to severe injuries, now faces an uncertain future in the NFL.
Thompson leaves as the fourth-leading tackler in Panthers history (752 tackles) behind legends Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, and Mike Minter. His career highlights include:
- Super Bowl appearance as a rookie in 2015
- Five-time team captain designation
- Career-high 135 tackles in 2022
General Manager Dan Morgan acknowledged Thompson’s legacy in a
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication... committed to this organization on and off the field”statement. However, recurring injuries – a broken ankle in 2023 and Achilles tear in 2024 – ultimately influenced Carolina’s decision.
The move creates $14M in cap savings while raising questions about linebacker depth. Analysts suggest Thompson might pursue short-term “prove-it” deals with playoff contenders needing veteran leadership. Teams like the Bills or Lions could benefit from his postseason experience despite durability concerns.
