Not only did Shaq Thompson not want to speak on another player’s business, but he also didn’t have to speak about how valuable Brian Burns is to the Carolina Panthers. But he did anyway.
Following Monday’s walkthrough, where Burns opted not to participate amidst a push for a contract extension, Thompson was asked about his fellow linebacker. And while he really wasn’t looking to divulge many words on the topic, he certainly didn’t mince them.
Buy Panthers Tickets“I don’t really like talkin’ about other people,” he told reporters. “Everybody here knows, everybody outside of here knows, everybody in the stands know, everybody above us knows what he deserves and what he should be gettin’ paid. And they know what to do to make it right before Week 1.”
While Burns has not (at least publicly) threatened a holdout if a deal is not reached—his absence, the second in as many outings for the team, is a bit worrisome. It’s even more concerning, with the season opener approaching, given the Panthers just placed backup edge defender Marquis Haynes Sr. on injured reserve earlier in the day.
But Thompson, the second-longest tenured player in that locker room, seemingly feels like an agreement will happen.
“Everybody upstairs better know he better be out there by Wednesday,” he added. “He’s a big factor on the defense. He’s the one it really starts with. Him and Derrick [Brown]—there’s where it starts with. And they’ll make it right.”
