Shaq Thompson is one of the best linebackers in the history of the Carolina Panthers, but the former first-round pick will not return to the team in 2025. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, among others, the Panthers plan on parting ways with the all-time great and probable Panthers Hall of Famer, as injuries limited him to just six games over the past two seasons.
Panthers recently informed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson that he will be allowed to become a free agent and the team does not plan to re-sign him.
— Adam Schefter – Mirror (@adamschefter-mirror.bluesky.bot) February 24, 2025 at 9:15 AM
While Shaq Thompson isn’t in the Panthers long-term plans, he should earn another opportunity with a different organization. In his last full season of play, the Washington product recorded 135 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, three quarterback hits, and a 72.3 PFF grade. While he did all that in 2022, he has looked adequate in his limited snaps over the past two seasons. Ultimately, at this stage in his career, Thompson represents a low-risk, medium-reward signing who could re-establish his value with a one-year deal from the following teams.
Panthers Will Not Re-Sign Shaq Thompson, Could Land With 5 Other Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball. While the offense has several promising young players in quarterback Michael Penix, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson, their production won’t matter if the defense can’t stop anyone. Shaq Thompson is far from the safest player in free agency, but the Panthers linebacker has the potential to be an above-average starter. Seeing as the team needs multiple game-changing talents, signing Thompson could be a cost-effective way to cover one of the many holes on defense.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have one of the league’s weakest rosters but lack the financial resources to fix it. Years of kicking the can down the road have put New Orleans $47 million over the salary cap, which means they can’t afford any “safe” free agents. With this in mind, they could a low-risk, medium-reward gamble on Thompson. By structuring his contract with Not Likely to Be Earned incentives (NLTBE), the Saints can ensure most of his salary cap damage occurs in 2026.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens defense figured it out in the back half of 2024, but they struggled early in the season. While there were many culprits for the underwhelming play, one of the biggest issues was trying to replace former first-round pick Patrick Queen. Roquan Smith is still great, but this defense is at its best with two above-average linebackers on the field. Shaq Thompson might not be able to recapture his former glory, but the Ravens might as well kick the tires on the former Panthers star.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will not spend big in free agency, as Executive Vice President Stephen Jones already said the team doesn’t have the financial resources to go out and break the bank in free agency. The NFC East is remarkably competitive with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, so Dallas must make some risky bets to close the gap in talent. If he can return to form, Shaq Thompson should be a great addition to what could be one of the game’s most dangerous front sevens.
Kansas City Chiefs (Potentially)
The Kansas City Chiefs probably won’t go after Shaq Thompson if they can re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton. However, if the homegrown talent leaves for greener pastures, then it might be time to roll the dice on an aging veteran. Armed with just under $9 million in cap space, the Chiefs likely can’t afford to retain Bolton and guard Trey Smith. If Bolton ends up being the one to go, the Chiefs could replace him with a cost-effective starter in Thompson.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – Imagn Images
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