5 roster moves that could save the Carolina Panthers $28.5 million in 2022

Carolina Panthers restructure Shaq Thompson

• 2022 cap saving – $5.19 million

Although the production of Shaq Thompson was arguably the finest of his professional career in 2021, there is some slight concern about his future with the franchise thanks to a whopping $18.26 million cap hit next time around. This is a lot of money to be paying any linebacker, but especially when one considers how the Carolina Panthers need to invest in other areas of the roster.

Trading Thompson could be a possible option. But whether another team would be willing to take on his contract over the next two years is another matter.

With Haason Reddick, Jermaine Carter, and Frankie Luvu out of contract, losing the Washington product doesn’t really seem like an option. Therefore, agreeing to yet another restructure with Thompson – the second in as many offseasons – could be something to consider and is projected to save Carolina $5.19 million, according to Over the Cap.

The Panthers will have to pay Thompson at some stage. This was an overpay from the previous regime and there will come a time very soon when Carolina’s front office cannot put it off any longer.

Thompson is one of the last remaining players from the Super Bowl 50 team. An experienced figure that the Panthers need to shine further when competitive action begins once again.