4 biggest winners from the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason so far

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

Shaq Thompson set some high standards for himself heading into the 2020 season. The retirement of Luke Kuechly left an opening for the former Washington star to become a leader on defense and provide the sort of expert communication the Carolina Panthers got from the perennial All-Pro before he decided to call it a day after eight glittering years.

Thompson did not live up to this. He struggled early in the season and it was clear he was the one who missed Kuechly’s presence more than anybody on the roster.

The free-agent signing of Tahir Whitehead was an absolute disaster and Thompson suffered as a result. Things only got better once Jermaine Carter came out of Matt Rhule’s doghouse and into the rotation, which resulted in more notable energy emerging from the second level.

For Thompson to play second fiddle to Jeremy Chinn despite the stud rookie having no experience at outside linebacker was damning. This left some speculating whether the Panthers were going to keep him around, but they gave him the benefit of the doubt and restructured his contract instead.

It’s now or never for Thompson.

But there is far more talent around him in 2021.

Carolina made a shrewd move in free agency with the addition of Denzel Perryman, who has had injury problems but shown enormous promise on the Los Angeles Chargers. This should solidify the interior and allow Carter to move outside, which might just give the Panthers a prolific trio if they all gel quickly.

Couple this with an improved defensive front that could be a real force and it’s not hard to see why things look more promising for Thompson this year.