CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson who has been a captain for the last five seasons was informed to enter free agency because the Panthers will be moving in another direction, the team announced on Monday.
Thompson, who has been a captain for the last five seasons in Carolina, has played only six games in the last two seasons due to injuries.
A first-round pick in 2015, Thompson was a rookie when the Panthers made the Super Bowl. In 10 seasons in black & blue, he totaled 752 tackles which is fourth all-time in team history behind Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Mike Minter.
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons,” president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan said. “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.”
After a career-high 135 tackles in 2022, he suffered a broken ankle in Week 2 of 2023 and a torn Achilles in Week 4 against the Bengals in 2024. Now, at 30 years old, Thompson will call another city home for the first time in his career.
The longest-tenured member of the #Panthers defense is set to hit the open market.
Back-to-back season-ending injuries were a major blow for Thompson after a career season in 2022. https://t.co/5KRwOU26q6
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) February 24, 2025
