Just hours after rumors began circulating about a possible split between veteran linebacker and the Carolina Panthers, the team made it official.
The Panthers’ second-longest-tenured player behind long-snapper J.J. Jansen, was a key contributor on the field and a respected leader in the locker room. However, back-to-back serious injuries forced Carolina to take a different path, leading to their decision to part ways with the veteran linebacker.
General manager Dan Morgan had nothing but praise for Shaq Thompson in his official statement, highlighting his leadership, passion, and selflessness.
“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.”
— Dan Morgan
Despite still being a talented player, injuries ultimately sealed Thompson’s fate in Carolina. His troubles began in Week 2 of the 2023 season when he suffered a broken fibula, sidelining him for the rest of the year. Optimism surrounded his return for 2024, and he was expected to form a strong partnership with free-agent addition Josey Jewell following Frankie Luvu’s departure to Washington.
Thompson showed promise early in the season, but his campaign was cut short again in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals when he suffered a torn Achilles. The severity of the injury forced Carolina to reconsider his future with the team.
At 31 years old, concerns over Thompson’s durability and long-term effectiveness factored into the Panthers’ decision. With a historically poor defense in need of major changes, Morgan made a difficult but necessary call to move on.
Thompson’s decade-long tenure in Carolina comes to an end after beginning in 2015—a season that saw the Panthers win 15 games and reach the Super Bowl. Through highs and lows, his dedication to the franchise never wavered.
What comes next for Thompson remains uncertain. He is determined to continue playing and believes he still has plenty left in the tank, though much will depend on his recovery.
As he moves forward, Thompson leaves behind a lasting impact on the Panthers, and the organization wishes him nothing but the best. Meanwhile, Morgan remains focused on reshaping the team for the future.