4 options the Carolina Panthers have with Shaq Thompson in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could extend Shaq Thompson
Shaq Thompson seems to have been ingrained within the Carolina Panthers forever. He’s one of the last remaining players from the team’s memorable run to the Super Bowl in 2015 and at just 28 years old, has plenty more good production left in the tank before his career winds to a halt.
If Thompson increases his influence on the field and becomes a driving force in the locker room, then extending the outside linebacker once again will be something to consider.
As stated previously, the Panthers are in some salary-cap hell before sacrifices are made next spring. Getting a deal done would keep a top performer around and might also save them some cash in the short term.
Firstly, Thompson has to prove worthy of such a financial commitment. He’s gone over 100 tackles for two straight years and 2021 was arguably his best season with the team, so anything similar could convince those in power to go in this direction.
Carolina could offer Thompson a four-year deal that would probably tie him down until he was ready to walk away from the game. But the Panthers should not be held to ransom given how difficult the decisions will be this time next year.