The 2024 campaign really feels like it’ll be the last one between linebacker Shaq Thompson and the Carolina Panthers. But could it be over before it even starts?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine recently named six players on rebuilding teams who could be on the trade block during training camp. He lists the 30-year-old Thompson, who he says may be an impact piece for a contender:
His next few seasons might be better served on a team that’s ready to compete. The Panthers also need draft capital after dealing with a compromised allotment of picks in the 2024 draft.
Thompson’s versatility could be useful to a contender, and the Panthers just used a third-round pick on Trevin Wallace. He could play alongside Josey Jewell at linebacker in a defense that is going to go through some growing pains anyway.
Thompson, who has played his entire nine-year NFL career in Carolina, already acknowledged the reality of his situation. The 2015 first-round pick told reporters at the end of last month’s mandatory minicamp that he may very well be auditioning for the rest of the league in 2024.
“I love it here,” Thompson stated. “I been here for nine, going on to 10 years. I mean, this is all I know. I would love to retire here, but that’s in my fate. And when I say that—I control what I control, I control myself on that field. If I play well, I stay here. If not, I’m out. I understand and know the business. This is my last year, so I’m playing for the Panthers and I’m playing for 31 other teams.
“But my main focus is, shoot, we gotta win. We gotta get more than two games. We gotta make the playoffs.”
2024 is the final season of Thompson’s contract.
