The Carolina Panthers emerged as one of the NFL’s surprise teams last season, finishing third in the NFC South with a 5-12 record under head coach Dave Caneles. This marked a significant improvement from their dismal 2-15 performance in the previous season. Their five wins are impressive, especially considering they achieved this without one of their key defensive players, linebacker Shaq Thompson, who tore his Achilles in September and played only four games.
Despite Thompson’s absence, the Panthers seem to have thrived. Recently, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team informed the veteran linebacker that he would become a free agent for the first time in his career.
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
Dan Morgan, the Panthers’ general manager, expressed appreciation 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.” With 470 tackles, Thompson leaves as Carolina’s longest-tenured defensive player and ranks fourth in the team’s history. However, injuries have hindered him over the past two seasons, including an Achilles injury in 2024 and a broken leg that limited him to just two games in 2023.
Interestingly, before his football career, Thompson had a brief spell in the Boston Red Sox farm system, where he struggled significantly, going 0-39 with 37 strikeouts. While concerns about his recent injuries may affect his marketability, Thompson is expected to find another opportunity in the league.
Reactions on social media reflect a mix of nostalgia and speculation regarding his future.
Damn… our defense gets even younger. Thanks Shaq! Keep Pounding! @ShaqThompson_54 https://t.co/z51zfIjJPg
— 🙂↔️ (@asanch16) February 24, 2025
👀 I know a team in Dallas that could use a vet at LB next season and beyond https://t.co/e8nDHUKgwt
— Weezus Dangerously™ (@Weezus410) February 24, 2025
https://t.co/QbZNKXjNzu pic.twitter.com/1KUp7uOtO5
— 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕊𝕜𝕠𝕝 𝔹𝕦𝕤 (@skolallday27) February 24, 2025
https://t.co/ehXyasov7t pic.twitter.com/8ZymwWS1bh
— ભાવિક મિસ્ટ્રી (@BMistry20) February 24, 2025
