Longtime Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson agrees to deal with new team
Shaq Thompson will continue his NFL career in another city.
Thompson, who spent 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, has signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills announced the signing on social media Tuesday.
Thompson’s finalized exit from Carolina comes after the team released a goodbye statement on social media in February, prior to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Thompson, a 2015 first-round pick, had played his entire career with the Panthers.
Thompson, who turned 31 in April, was a longtime leader of the Panthers’ locker room, known for his energy, quickness and outspoken nature. The University of Washington alum produced 752 tackles (54 for loss), 12 sacks, 26 pass breakups, three interceptions and four forced fumbles during his time with the Panthers.
Thompson, though, dealt with severe leg injuries in each of the past two seasons. He played in just two games in 2023 and four games in 2024. Thompson recovered from a season-ending broken fibula last year before sustaining a torn Achilles during the first month of last season.
Thompson was replaced in the lineup last season by rookie Trevin Wallace. The 2024 third-round pick had an up-and-down rookie campaign before sustaining his own season-ending injury down the stretch.
Wallace underwent offseason shoulder surgery earlier this year, but he is still expected to return to the starting lineup opposite veteran Josey Jewell.
With Thompson gone, Wallace will get a full offseason to run with the first-team defense.
“Obviously a great player, great person,” Morgan said April about Thompson. “We’re definitely going to miss him in the building, in the community. We’re disappointed that Shaq’s not going to be here anymore, but we’re also really excited about Trevin and his future.”
The team signed veteran linebacker Christian Rozeboom, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, to a one-year deal in free agency. Rozeboom is expected to push Wallace in the starting lineup, while providing depth on defense and special teams.
Claudin Cherelus, the last year’s third linebacker, is coming off a season-ending toe injury. The team also has special teams ace Jon Rhattigan under contract.
The Panthers kicked off their mandatory minicamp Tuesday.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 11:47 AM.
