North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers have informed linebacker Shaq Thompson that he will enter free agency as the team shifts its focus. Thompson, 30, has been with the Panthers since being selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over his tenure, he emerged as a team captain and mentor but was limited to six games in the past two seasons due to injuries.

Thompson's career with the Panthers began alongside notable players like Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis during their Super Bowl appearance in his rookie year. His total of 752 tackles ranks fourth in franchise history, following Davis, Kuechly, and Mike Minter.

Dan Morgan, president of football operations/general manager for the Panthers, expressed gratitude 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 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."

In 2022, Thompson recorded a career-high 135 tackles but suffered significant injuries over subsequent seasons—a broken ankle early in 2023 followed by a torn Achilles last season. Throughout his time with the team, he also achieved three interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries (including one for a touchdown), and accumulated 12 sacks.

Thompson played in 123 games for Carolina and served as team captain five times during his decade-long career.