3 options the Carolina Panthers have with Shaq Thompson in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers release Shaq Thompson
If the Carolina Panthers cannot find a trade partner for Shaq Thompson, then there is a chance he is eventually released considering the financial implications involved. We’ve discussed what the former Washington standout is owed over the next three seasons, so when the coaching staff looks at his production on the field, it’s hard to envisage a situation when they conclude he is actually worth 7.49 percent of their overall cap in 2021.
Cutting Thompson way ahead of time would save them $17.94 million over three years and $4.58 million next season. This might be too tempting to turn down and although it would leave them a little bit short at the second level, the Panthers might be able to find a cheaper alternative in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft who fits the athletic, energetic mold of player Matt Rhule has tried to acquire since arriving in Carolina.
This would be one of the more shocking cuts, of that there is little doubt.
But the NFL will be more ruthless than ever with sacrifices such as this in the current climate.
Thompson wouldn’t be out of work for long if the Panthers went in this particular direction. He’s proven he can play well providing there is a strong presence alongside him on the interior, which is something Carolina simply didn’t have for a large portion of the campaign thanks to the inept performances of free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead.
Parting ways with Thompson without getting anything in return would be a last resort. But the money benefits are there for all to see.