Thomas Davis “didn’t see” Carolina Panthers split coming

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker opens up about team’s decision to part ways.

The Carolina Panthers drafted Thomas Davis in the first-round (No. 14 overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. For the following 14 seasons, Davis led as a member of the defense both on and off the field.

Missing time in the middle of his career with knee injuries, Davis made a commitment to return and return he did. Earning an All Pro selection and Pro Bowl nomination for the first time ever in 2015, he continued a high level of production with two more Pro Bowl appearances in 2016 and 2017.

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His performance last season seemed hindered more due to a four-game suspension to start the year than any level of execution. Registering nearly identical statistics to his last Pro Bowl season, with three less games, the argument for any on the field decline is a tough pill to swallow.

Likewise, Davis himself was caught unaware when the team informed him they would not seek to re-sign the former captain earlier this offseason. Set to enter free agency for the first time in his career, Davis appears to have no ill will toward Carolina.

In an interview with Kristine Leahy on FS1, Davis offered the following comments about news of his departure.

"“I struggled with it. I didn’t see it coming. I thought I had an opportunity to come back and kind of play another year based on how I competed and really showed up and showed that I was still capable of playing at a high level. But the team had other plans. We have a ton of young linebackers on the football team right now that they want to see play.”"

The legendary linebacker also spoke about his relationship with coach Ron Rivera.

"“I feel like deep down inside, Coach Rivera more so than anybody in the organization wanted me to come back … We had conversations throughout the year, he told me when I was playing well. I’ve always had a open line of communication with Coach Rivera. And when I’m not playing well, he don’t hesitate to tell me. If I’m playing well, he lets me know. I really felt from conversation that he wanted me to be back. It just unfortunately didn’t work out that way.”"

While the two haven’t spoken since word of Davis’ departure, it appears at some point there will be closure. As Davis navigates the free agent market, Rivera even left the idea of a potential return on the table.

Stranger things have happened and you’d be hard pressed to find many Panthers fans who wouldn’t appreciate another year with Davis on the field.