CHARLOTTE — The Panthers informed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson recently that he could enter free agency and that they were moving in another direction.
The 30-year-old Thompson, a team captain and trusted mentor, has been with the team since 2015 but has played just six games in the last two seasons because of injuries.
Their first-round pick in 2015, he played in a Super Bowl as a rookie alongside legends Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.
His 752 tackles are fourth in franchise history, trailing only Davis, Kuechly, and Mike Minter.
"We appreciate Shaq's leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons," said president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan. "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."
Thompson had a career-high 135 tackles in 2022 but suffered a broken ankle in Week 2 of 2023 and a torn Achilles in Week 4 last season.
Thompson also had three interceptions, four forced fumbles, for fumble recoveries, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 2016, and 12.0 sacks.
He appeared in 123 games and was named a team captain in five of his seasons, a testament to his leadership on that side of the ball.
Shaq Thompson has 750 tackles in 10 seasons with the Panthers, placing him third all-time in tackles in franchise history.
