4 potential destinations for Panthers LB Shaq Thompson in 2023
By Dean Jones
Where could veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson end up in 2023 with his Carolina Panthers future hanging in the balance?
There are some important decisions looming for the Carolina Panthers. A new head coach comes before anything else, which will then lead to many player personnel matters before OTAs arrive.
One of the most important situations centers on Shaq Thompson. The veteran linebacker once again performed well en route to 135 tackles in 2022, but there are some critical financial factors making his future in Carolina look less certain than ever.
Releasing or trading Thompson comes with a cap saving of more than $13 million this spring. Although his presence on and off the field would be missed, the possibility cannot be ruled out when one examines the bigger picture.
A lot can and will happen in the coming weeks, but here are four places Thompson could be playing in 2023.
Team No. 1
Carolina Panthers
Even though most smart analysts are predicting Shaq Thompson and the Carolina Panthers will go their separate ways, the prospect of him staying around cannot be dismissed. Those in power could extend the former first-round pick and move some money around that way, with a potential pay cut to remain on the team something else that might come to fruition.
Thompson’s salary-cap hit of $24.46 million won’t be taken through onto the 2023 bill fully. But the Panthers could explore some way to make this situation work for all parties.