4 options the Carolina Panthers have with Shaq Thompson in 2023

Carolina Panthers could restructure Shaq Thompson again

Just because Shaq Thompson will be on an expiring contract in 2023, that does not mean the Carolina Panthers won’t contemplate restructring the outside linebacker’s contract for a third-straight offseason.

This is something they did with Matt Paradis, who is no longer around but is still counting $8.29 million against the 2022 cap due to the Panthers putting voided years on his contract. Carolina probably won’t want Thompson to depart the organization unless there is a drastic slump in production, so this might be the best possible outcome.

Thompson could agree to some additional years on his contract without committing to the franchise. A situation might also come around where the player himself decides that it might be best to seek alternative employment to land on a potential contender.

The options are multiple and nothing will be decided just yet. But those behind the scenes will already be conjuring up plans for every possible outcome.

All this won’t bother Thompson that much. Time is on his side and the primary objective from the player’s point of view is to be as influential as he possibly can to finally give fans something to cheer for next season.