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David Newton
Charlotte, NC – Veteran supporter Shaq Thompson said after the season that he wanted to finish his NFL career as a member of the Carolina Panthers, but the organization is moving in a different direction.
The team has informed the 30 -year -old who is free to enter the free agency.
“We appreciate the leadership and dedication of Shaq in the last 10 seasons,” said General Manager Dan Morgan on Monday in a statement. “Always a source of passion and enthusiasm, he was committed to this organization inside and outside the field, he poured into his teammates., And he struggled to make the best of them.
“We wish Shaq the best as he advances with his career.”
Thompson has limited himself to only six games in the last two seasons due to injuries. His 2024 season ended with a torn Achilles in a defeat for week 4 against Cincinnati Bengals. He broke an ankle in week 2 of season 2023.
Thompson, the 2015 Draft decision of Carolina, was five times team captain. He had 135 cups in his career in 2022 and is fourth on the Tackle list of all the team with 741. He only requests Luke Kuechly (1,092), Thomas Davis (1,077) and Mike Minter (771).
Thompson helped Carolina arrive at the Super Bowl in her first season and was hoping to be part of the reconstruction of an organization that has had seven consecutive losing seasons.
“Yes, I want to finish my career here,” Thompson said in January. “I know one of those boys in the story he played with a team. But it depends on them. These two injuries … It happens. Everything I can do better and get strong. ”
