5 Panthers players who could be sacrificed for a franchise QB in 2022

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Christian McCaffrey
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Christian McCaffrey /
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(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Shaq Thompson /

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

Shaq Thompson’s resurgence in 2021 was sorely needed for the player and the Carolina Panthers. Questions were starting to emerge about whether the outside linebacker could become a true leader on defense in the absence of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis – two exceptional second-level performers who made life extremely easy for the former first-round pick during his initial transition to the pros.

Thompson looked lost without Kuechly last season, which was something of a surprise. But things took a step in the right direction in 2021 during what was arguably the finest year of his professional career.

This was just the sort of thing Thompson was looking for. Especially considering his cap number is set to soar to around $18.26 million next season.

Carolina could also use the Washington product’s improved production in any potential trade for a franchise quarterback. But there are some significant financial elements to consider before making this scenario a reality.

Trading Thompson before June 1 comes with a whopping dead-cap figure of $12.74 million, which decreases to $6.23 million after this date. While that would be cutting it fine for the Panthers if they wanted a quarterback guaranteed to help them move the needle, it’s a discussion that needs to be had.