The Carolina Panthers surprised many last season with a 5-12 record, finishing third in the NFC South under new head coach Dave Caneles. Although five wins might not sound significant, it marked a notable improvement from the team’s dismal 2-15 finish in 2023. Impressively, this achievement came without one of their defensive leaders, linebacker Shaq Thompson, who tore his Achilles in September and played only four games.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Panthers informed Thompson he would enter free agency for the first time in his NFL career. In a tweet, Schefter shared the news: “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.” pic.twitter.com/LD1clAXAJT
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. pic.twitter.com/LD1clAXAJT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025
General Manager Dan Morgan expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions: “We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons. Always a source of passion and enthusiasm, he was committed to the 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, the longest-tenured defensive player for Carolina, was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and accumulated 470 tackles, ranking fourth in Panthers history. However, injuries have plagued him over the past two seasons—first with an Achilles injury in 2024 and earlier with a broken leg that cut his 2023 season short after just two games.
Before his collegiate football career at the University of Washington, Thompson had a brief stint in the Boston Red Sox farm system, where he struggled with an 0-39 record and 37 strikeouts. Despite his recent injuries, it is likely that Thompson will find a new opportunity in the league.
