With NFL free agency set to begin next month, the Carolina Panthers are starting to reshape their roster for the 2025 season. Late last week, the team released veteran cornerback Dane Jackson, who signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract last offseason.
And now they will be cutting times with a fan-favorite and long-time captain, who has been with the Panthers since 2015.
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
Panthers Announce Shaq Thompson Will Not Be Re-Signed
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers recently informed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson that they do not plan to re-sign him, making Thompson an unrestricted free agent.
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan made a statement about Thompson after it was announced that they would not be bringing him this offseason.
"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."
The 30-year-old Thompson spent 10 years in Carolina after the team selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Although the veteran linebacker never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro with the Panthers, he was one of their better defenders every year and has been a face of the franchise.
The five-time team captain had a four-year run from 2019 to 2022 in which he racked up 100-plus total tackles each season, adding 34 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. However, after a great 2022 season in which he set a career-high with 135 tackles, Thompson was hit by the injury bug. He suffered a broken leg in Week 2 of the 2023 season.
The veteran defender missed the rest of the 2023 campaign but returned this past season healthy and looking to make an impact. However, he unfortunately sustained his second consecutive season-ending injury, suffering a torn Achilles in Week 4.
Thompson leaves the organization with 752 tackles (fourth-most in Panthers history), and a ton of memories that Carolina fans will not forget.