Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson will enter free agency and play for a new team in 2025.
Panthers Parting Ways With Shaq Thompson
Shaq Thompson to enter free agency
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https://t.co/dZSpbb7OFi pic.twitter.com/iyXADdOZRo
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 24, 2025
After 10 seasons, Thompson’s time in Carolina has ended.
The Panthers informed Thompson that he could enter free agency and they were “moving in another direction.”
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons,” said president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan. “Always a source of passion and enthusiasm, he was committed to this organization on and off the field, poured into his teammates, and strived to bring out the best in them. We wish Shaq the best as he moves forward with his career.”
Thompson was drafted in the first round by the Panthers in 2015. Thompson played in Super Bowl 50 as a rookie, which saw the Broncos defeat the Panthers.
In 2022, Thompson had a career year with 135 tackles. However, Thompson has only played in six games over the past two seasons due to a broken ankle (2023) and a torn Achilles (2024).
Thompson, who turns 31 next month, ends his Carolina tenure with 752 tackles, the fourth most in history behind Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, and Mike Minter.
Which Teams Should Sign Shaq Thompson?
During exit interview with us Shaq Thompson said he would love to end his career in Carolina.
I asked him how much more he has left in the tank, he told me 3-4 years. He’ll now enter free agency. pic.twitter.com/JM7G8Hx7gv
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) February 24, 2025
Thompson will now enter free agency next month.
Which teams would benefit from taking a flyer on a tackling machine like Thompson?
The Detroit Lions were decimated on defense by the end of the season. The Lions should have the 10th-most cap space this offseason and might divert that money to other positions, like the defensive line. Signing a cheap linebacker like Thompson to pair with Alex Anzalone could be a viable option.
The Kansas City Chiefs could be missing a huge part of their defense if Nick Bolton departs in free agency. If Bolton walks, Thompson could provide a reliable tackler to a stout defense.
The Las Vegas Raiders have elite defensive linemen. The back seven need a facelift. With the defensive-minded Pete Caroll as the new head coach, the Raiders could benefit from a veteran leader like Thompson.
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