Carolina Panthers end of season awards: 2021 edition
By Dean Jones
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB
This was without doubt the most important season of Shaq Thompson’s career. The outside linebacker failed to become the inspirational leader on defense in 2020 following the shock retirement of Luke Kuechly, so another campaign of inconsistency would have left the Carolina Panthers with no option other than move on from the former first-round pick.
Thankfully for the player and the Panthers, Thompson took the challenge head-on this season. His communication at the second level was top notch and there seemed to be far more urgency to the Washington product’s play for good measure.
Carolina’s defense wasn’t exactly assisted by an anemic offense. But overall, this unit made some encouraging strides and Thompson was at the heart of it all.
In just 14 games – 13 of which he started – Thompson recorded 104 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, five passes defended, two interceptions, six pressures, and a 73.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The Panthers now have a big decision to make where Thompson is concerned. His cap number is going to be around $18.26 million in 2022, meaning another restructure could be in the offing given how important the veteran became this season.
Thompson is our Defensive Player of the Year for 2021. Something not many predicted heading into the campaign.