Report: Carolina Panthers inform Shaq Thompson he will hit free agency

The Carolina Panthers have informed linebacker Shaq Thompson they will not be re-signing him, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Thompson will be a free agent this offseason.

“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan wrote in a statement. “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 Panthers drafted Shaq Thompson in 2015 and he’s been with the organization ever since. During his time in Carolina, Thompson amassed 752 tackles, 12 sacks, 26 pass deflections, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.

In the 2024 campaign, Thompson only played four games before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. In those four games, he tallied 35 tackles. It was the second consecutive season that Thompson suffered a season-ending injury.

In 2023, Thompson only played in two games before suffering a broken fibula and being placed on injured reserve. It’s been an unfortunate turn of events for Thompson, who had the best season of his career in 2022.

He started all 17 games in the 2022 season, racking up a career-high 135 tackles. Thompson was a team captain for five seasons with the Panthers. In January, Thompson discussed the team’s impending decision and what he hoped would happen.

“I would love to end my career here,” Thompson said. “One of the guys in history to play with one team. It’s up to them. These two injuries were fluky. Everyone knows about the one last year and, of course, about the one this year. There’s nothing I can do. But it happened, get better, come back strong.”

Unfortunately for Thompson, he’ll have no choice but to find a new home for next season. Prior to his time in the NFL, Thompson played at Washington from 2012-14. He was a jack of all trades for the Huskies, playing safety, slot corner, linebacker, and running back.

In his junior season, he was named a First-Team All-American and won the Paul Hornung Award, which is awarded annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Thompson’s versatility extended beyond the football field. He was also a standout baseball player. The Boston Red Sox drafted Thompson in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

He played for the Sox’ rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League in the summer of 2012 but ultimately decided to pursue a career in football after struggling early in the season. Now, Thompson will look to revive that football career in a new location.