The Carolina Panthers and linebacker Shaq Thompson had to meet a compromise. So, they did.
Last Saturday, the two sides agreed upon a reworked deal—one that would alleviate the team of Thompson’s $24.4 million cap hit for the 2023 season. And now, the details of that adjustment have emerged, courtesy of Over the Cap.
As opposed to the one season he had left remaining on what was a four-year, $54 million extension—Thompson will be under contract, at least as a player, for two more seasons. He will carry a cap number of $14.06 million in 2023 and $6.66 million in 2024 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
His new pact also includes three voided years, running from 2025 to 2027. Those will carry cap hits of $3.18 million, $1.06 million and $1.06 million—respectively.
Following this move, as well as Sunday night’s three-year agreement with wide receiver Adam Thielen, the Panthers currently have approximately $23 million in cap space.
And make no mistake—this was not a favor for the long-time Panther. Thompson is coming off, arguably, his two most impactful seasons as a pro—having just notched a career-high 135 combined tackles in 2022.
