4 tough cuts the Carolina Panthers could make before 2022 free agency

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

• Cap saving – $5.76 million

This would be the toughest of them all, and by a considerable margin.

Shaq Thompson played arguably the best football of his career in 2021. The outside linebacker emerged as a true leader on defense and came up with some huge performances along the way, but the Carolina Panthers have a dilemma on their hands regarding a bumper contract signed by the former first-round pick under the previous regime.

Thompson is set to count a whopping $18.14 million against the cap next season. Although he did play well in 2021, it’s hard to argue he is worth this sort of financial commitment and especially given how tight money is in Carolina thanks to some questionable personnel decisions.

Obviously, restructuring Thompson’s contract remains a likely scenario. This is something the player and the Panthers did last year and although it kicks the can further down the road, it would give them plenty of breathing space and keep a core part of their defense around.

However, if something cannot be agreed, then trading or perhaps even releasing Thompson will be discussed. His early departure would save the Panthers $5.76 million before June 1 with a dead-cap of $12.47 million, which is not exactly ideal whichever way one looks at it.

After the June 1 date, it looks more enticing with a saving of $11.9 million with $6.23 million. So it’s something worth keeping a close eye on.