4 Panthers players on defense under pressure to perform in 2021
By Dean Jones
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB
It’s now or never for Shaq Thompson.
The Carolina Panthers were depending on the veteran heavily in 2020 following the shock retirement of Luke Kuechly. Thompson also has some lofty expectations of himself in pursuit of becoming the team’s leader on defense, but although he did go over 100 tackles for a second straight year, his overall production cannot be seen as anything more than a disappointment.
This came at the worst possible time for Thompson, who was due a bumper pay rise in 2021 and had many questioning whether he’d be traded or even released to save the Panthers some much-needed funds in the current financial climate.
Instead, the former Washington standout agreed to a contract restructure, ensuring he’ll once again be in the lineup next time around.
However, he’ll need to raise his level of influence to convince fans and the coaching staff he is worth keeping around beyond this season.
Thompson clearly plays better when there is someone stable alongside him on the interior. Tahir Whitehead wasn’t that, to put it mildly, but there is more in the way of hope surrounding Denzel Perryman following his free-agent arrival from the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hopefully, this can bring out the best in Thompson. But the margin for error is now smaller than ever.