The Carolina Panthers are holding a legitimate competition for the second linebacker spot between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus. However, if general manager Dan Morgan isn't entirely satisfied with how things are developing, he won't hesitate to seek outside assistance.
But could that lead the Panthers to an old friend in Shaq Thompson?
Seems unrealistic, but it does have some merit.
Carolina Panthers could turn to Shaq Thompson amid current LB2 battle
Thompson wasn't brought back by the Panthers last season, which stemmed from two injury-plagued campaigns where he barely featured. He was an established locker room leader and one of the team's longest-serving players, but there were too many risks attached for Morgan to give him another financial commitment.
The 2015 first-round pick out of Washington found work quickly, signing with the Buffalo Bills. Thompson made 12 appearances (six starts), logging 56 tackles from 59 percent of the team's defensive snaps. While he is not the force of old, his production would represent an upgrade on anything the Panthers have outside of free-agent signing Devin Lloyd.
Head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero both have faith in Wallace or Cherelus to fill the void. But with so much at stake for the Panthers this season, adding someone with Thompson's experience to place alongside Lloyd wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Thompson knows the scheme. He knows some of the players. He knows what this franchise is all about. The transition would be seamless, but whether the Panthers are willing to give him a shot is another matter.
Morgan had legitimate reasons for letting Thompson walk. But after the second-level presence stayed relatively healthy in 2025, it warrants a discussion if Wallace and Cherelus cannot inspire confidence in the coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers cannot sit on their hands if LB2 fight doesn't bear fruit
Though Thompson, who is 32 now, goes away from Carolina's reliance on youth, there is an opportunity awaiting Canales' squad this season. They are the defending NFC South champions. The division is wide open once again, and the Panthers believe they are right on the cusp of something special.
This means they cannot afford to have any passengers. Canales is already dealing with some long-term injuries to key personnel. If the second linebacker spot ends up becoming a weak link, that'll be another problem.
Thompson might not be the every-down linebacker Carolina benefited from earlier in his career, but he can still be serviceable. And considering he is still looking for work at this late stage of the offseason, a return to the team that drafted him would no doubt be a tempting proposition.
It's an option, at the very least.
In an ideal world, either Wallace or Cherelus will use the added urgency of being in a competition to their advantage. That's the best-case scenario for continuity purposes. But if either were standing out considerably, they wouldn't still be competing with just a few short weeks until Carolina's regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Morgan is a strong talent evaluator. He was also a prolific former linebacker in his playing days. If he decides more is required, he will have the full trust of fans.
And an emotional homecoming for Thompson would be a popular direction to take.
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