Before embarking on the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced Monday that they will not re-sign veteran linebacker and team captain Shaq Thompson, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The Panthers’ decision to part ways with Thompson was slightly shocking, given that he’s been with the team for 10 years and is an integral part of the community. However, with the veteran defender suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries, the Panthers felt it was time to move on.
In addition to not re-signing Thompson, the Panthers cut cornerback Dane Jackson late last week, who just signed a two-year deal with the club last offseason. After showing signs of life and improvement in the second half of the season, Carolina is looking forward to what should hopefully be an improved 2025 season.
However, before we can look ahead to the 2025 season, the Panthers might have to part ways with defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson this offseason. Robinson signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract last offseason.
The idea of signing Robinson wasn’t bad as the Panthers needed more defensive line depth after trading edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants. The veteran defender was coming off a zero sack season with the Giants in 2023.
As things would turn out, Robinson was tied with Jadeveon Clowney for the team lead in sacks (5.5). It was a career-high for the veteran defensive tackle, who the Panthers needed to step up in the middle of the defensive line after Derrick Brown sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 1.
However, the advanced stats tell a different story. Robinson was mediocre in stopping the run (54.1 grade on PFF, ranking 100th among 219 qualified defensive linemen) and pass-rushing (57.1, ranking 134th), despite the 5.5 sacks.
Therefore, if the Panthers were to release the soon-to-be 30-year-old defensive lineman before Jun. 1, they would be on the hook for $4.1 million in dead money and free up $5.5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap.
But if the Panthers gave Robinson a post-June 1 cut designation, they would be on the hook for $2 million in dead cap and get $7.5 million in cap savings.
Nonetheless, Carolina should explore potentially moving on from Robinson this offseason. But if they do, the Panthers must have a good plan to replace him, as the defensive line must get better heading into 2025.