5 Panthers players who could change jersey numbers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB
There did appear to be some speculation from the outside looking in on whether Shaq Thompson would still be on the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The outside linebacker managed to go over 100 tackles once again for the second consecutive year. But his ability in coverage left a lot to be desired and he clearly missed the ultra-intelligent presence of Luke Kuechly alongside him.
Thompson restructured his deal, which came with a significant pay rise this season, to give the Panthers a little more in the way of financial wiggle room to improve the roster in free agency. This is just kicking the can down the road, with the player set to count a whopping $18.26 million against the salary cap in 2022.
If Thompson is looking for a fresh start, then going back to his old number wouldn’t be a bad place to start. He wore No. 7 in Washington during a standout college career that saw him taken in the first round by Carolina in 2015 and although things might not have gone according to plan of late, the Panthers aren’t ready to give up on his just yet.
This is a big year for Thompson, of that there is little doubt. But the signing of Denzel Perryman from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency should give him a more consistent presence to lean on in times of need at the middle linebacker spot.