The Carolina Panthers will look to improve their defense during the offseason after having one of the worst in the league. Carolina’s defense struggled tremendously on all three levels, struggling to rush the passer, stop the run, and defend against the pass. The Panthers allowed the most points, the most yards, the tenth-most passing yards, the most rushing yards, and tied for the third-fewest sacks.
One of the many decisions the team will make involving their defense is whether to retain or part ways with their longest-tenured defender, who has not stayed healthy lately.
The Carolina Panthers star linebacker is set to hit free agency
Shaq Thompson, who turns 31 in April, completed the final year of his one-year, $3.1 million restructured contract, which he signed during the 2024 offseason, and for the first time in his career, will enter free agency. Unfortunately, injuries have caused Thompson to miss 28 out of 34 games over the past two seasons. He missed 15 games with a broken right leg in 2023 and 13 with a torn Achilles in 2024.
Panthers longest-tenured defender to enter free agency after 10 seasons
On X, the Carolina Panthers announced that they will not re-sign Shaq Thompson, and he will enter free agency. Thompson had a solid ten-year NFL career with Carolina, recording 752 tackles, 54 TFLs, 12 sacks, three interceptions, 26 pass deflections, and four forced fumbles in 123 regular season games and 112 starts, along with 19 tackles and one TFL in four postseason games.
Here’s what the statement read:
Shaq Thompson to enter free agency
Learn more ⬇️https://t.co/dZSpbb7OFi pic.twitter.com/iyXADdOZRo
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 24, 2025
Who replaces him in the starting lineup next season?
The expectation is for former third-round pick Trevin Wallace to take over as the starting inside linebacker next season. Wallace took over as the starting linebacker in his rookie season after Thompson went down with an injury, recording 64 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and two forced fumbles in 13 games and eight starts. He missed the last four weeks with a shoulder injury.
Don’t be surprised if the Panthers acquire a veteran linebacker in free agency or draft one to compete with him for the starting job.
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