Shaq Thompson and the Carolina Panthers will be going their separate ways. This is the end of an era in Charlotte. The Panthers did not resign the veteran linebacker, and he will hit the free agency. Fans took this opportunity to pay their respects to the 30-year-old.
Carolina Fans Bid Farewell to Shaq Thompson
On February 24th, the Panthers broke the news of them parting ways with their 2015 NFL Draft first pick (25th overall pick). On X (formerly Twitter) this news was accompanied by a statement from the Panthers’ president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan.
“We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons,” he stated. “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.”
Shaq Thompson to enter free agency
Learn more ⬇️https://t.co/dZSpbb7OFi pic.twitter.com/iyXADdOZRo
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 24, 2025
Thompson was the last member of the fabled 2015 squad that went all the way to the Super Bowl. Fans were saddened by this decision but understood the need for it as well.
“Thanks for everything and good luck out there Shaq Thompson,” responded one fan.
“Gonna miss him,” tweeted a fan.
Gonna miss him
— VZA. (@VZA_94) February 24, 2025
“THANK YOU!!! Shaq best of luck in the future I will definitely miss seeing you in a panther uniform,” replied a fan.
“Unbelievably heartbroken over this,” added a fan.
Unbelievably heartbroken over this. 💔💔💔💔💔
— Bridget Stockdill (@bridgetstockdi1) February 24, 2025
“Always a dawg. Hate to see it… but wish him the best of luck. He’ll always be a Panther,” another fan added.
“This s**ks, but it makes sense. Can’t justify paying him when he’s been hurt so much these last 3-4 years. Rebuilding a defense doesn’t come from signing guys who won’t play. I wish him all the best though!” tweeted another fan.
This sucks, but it makes sense. Can't justify paying him when he's been hurt so much these last 3-4 years. Rebuilding a defense doesn't come from signing guys who won't play. I wish him all the best though!
— Joshua Hoy (@lsc5ohh) February 24, 2025
In his 10 seasons, the LB registered 752 tackles – fourth most in the franchise history. However, he has been dealing with injury issues over the last several seasons. First, a broken fibula in 2023 restricted him to only two games in 2023 then a torn Achilles in 2024 ended his season after only four games.
Free agent negotiations will start on March 10, and players will be eligible to sign their contracts on March 12. It will be interesting to see which team acquires a veteran presence like Thompson for its locker rooms.