CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For nearly a decade, Shaq Thompson has been a cornerstone of the Carolina Panthers’ defense. He’s been through the highs—like a Super Bowl run in his rookie season—and the lows of the team’s recent struggles. And through it all, he made one thing clear: he wanted to retire as a Panther.
But the NFL is a business, and sometimes, sentiment doesn’t factor into the equation. The Panthers have decided to move in a different direction, informing the veteran linebacker that he’s free to explore free agency.
End of an Era
General manager Dan Morgan acknowledged Thompson’s impact on and off the field, stating:
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons. Always a source of passion and enthusiasm, he was committed to this organization, 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.”
It’s a tough break for a player who’s been the heart of Carolina’s defense. Thompson, now 30, has been battling injuries, playing just six games over the last two seasons. His 2024 campaign was cut short by a torn Achilles in Week 4 against the Bengals. The previous season, he fractured his ankle in Week 2.
A Legacy Cemented
Drafted 25th overall in 2015, Thompson quickly became a leader. He was a five-time team captain, racking up a career-high 135 tackles in 2022. His 741 career tackles rank fourth in franchise history, behind only Luke Kuechly (1,092), Thomas Davis (1,077), and Mike Minter (771). That’s elite company—players synonymous with Panthers football.
Despite his injuries, Thompson remained optimistic about staying in Carolina, expressing his desire to be a one-team player.
“Yeah, I want to end my career here,” he said in January. “Be one of those guys in history that played with one team. But it’s up to them. These two injuries … it happens. All I can do is get better and come back strong.”
What’s Next for Thompson?
While his future is uncertain, teams looking for a veteran presence in the locker room and a reliable tackler when healthy will likely show interest. His leadership and experience are invaluable, and if he can prove he’s fully recovered, he could be a solid addition to a team in need of defensive help.
For the Panthers, this move signals a continued shift toward rebuilding. They’ve already made cap-related cuts, including releasing cornerback Donte Jackson. Thompson’s departure frees up more financial flexibility, but losing his presence in the locker room could leave a void.
In the NFL, change is constant. And for Shaq Thompson, the next chapter of his career is about to begin—just not in Carolina.