5 Carolina Panthers players who will be grossly overpaid in 2022

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

• 2022 cap number: $18.17 million

The 2021 season was a huge step in the right direction for Shaq Thompson, who became a true defensive leader and backed this up with outstanding production on the field. This puts the Carolina Panthers in something of a predicament with the outside linebacker, whose cap number is going up to an incredible $18.17 million next season.

Thompson got a bumper contract from the previous regime, so this situation was always going to come around at some stage. However, his level of performance has seen the former first-round pick emerge as a key cog in the team’s plans moving forward.

The Washington product went over 100 tackles once again and seemed much more influential from a communication standpoint. Thompson represents one of the last remaining members of the old guard and is someone younger members of the roster are now looking to for advice and guidance.

Even though Thompson is an important player for the Panthers, it’s hard to look at his cap number and not think he isn’t grossly overpaid. Another contract that’s coming back to bite the organization in a big way.

Trading Thompson before June 1 comes with a cap saving of $5.79 million and a $12.72 million dead-cap figure. This is simply not a realistic option, even if Thompson’s stock might never be higher.