Panthers will not re-sign LB Shaq Thompson: After a decade with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Shaq Thompson will not return to the team in 2025. This marks the first time in his career that the veteran linebacker will hit free agency.
On Monday, the Panthers made the official announcement that Thompson would not be re-signed. The team expressed deep gratitude for his commitment and leadership over the past 10 years. Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan released a statement, saying, “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 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, now 30 years old, was drafted by the Panthers as the No. 25 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played an important role in helping the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. Over the years, Thompson became a cornerstone of Carolina’s defense, a player fans could always count on.
However, the past two seasons have been incredibly challenging for Thompson due to injuries. A broken fibula in 2023 and a torn Achilles in 2024 limited him to just six games. Despite these setbacks, Thompson has continued to push himself and remained a dedicated presence both on and off the field.
In total, Thompson played 123 games with the Panthers, starting 112 of them. He accumulated 12.0 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, 32 quarterback hits, and three interceptions. These numbers speak volumes about his impact, but perhaps his true legacy lies in his leadership and the way he inspired his teammates.
As Shaq Thompson heads into free agency, it’s clear his time with Carolina has left a lasting impression, not just through statistics, but through his character and influence on the locker room.