The last remaining Carolina Panther from their 2015 Super Bowl appearance, linebacker Shaq Thompson, is now hitting free agency.
The organization announced Monday morning it would be moving in a different direction — one that does not involve the 30-year-old team captain.
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons,” Panthers president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan said in a statement. “Always a source of pᴀssion 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 is fourth in Panthers history in tackles with 752 in his career. The only players ahead of him in the category are franchise legends Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and Mike Minter.
He was a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, joining Carolina just in time for its 15-1, NFC-winning season led by head coach Ron Rivera, quarterback Cam Newton and a top-tier defense.
Thompson has struggled with injuries in recent years, as he has appeared in just six games combined spanning the last two seasons. He suffered a broken ankle in 2023 and a torn Achilles this past season.
Prior to the health troubles, Thompson was playing at a very high level in 2022 as he recorded a career-high and team-leading 135 tackles.
He also tallied 12 sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, four recovered fumbles and a scoop-and-score across 10 seasons with Carolina.
The Sacramento native played his college football with the Washington Huskies, racking up more than 200 tackles across three seasons.
Entering his age-31 season and coming off injuries as severe as a broken ankle and a torn Achilles, it’s unclear the level Thompson will play at upon his return.
What is clear, though, is that it will not be with the Panthers.
