Panthers Fans React to Shaq Thompson Entering Free Agency

Vashti Hurt

7 hours ago

The Carolina Panthers have informed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson that they do not plan to resign him. A first round pick in the 2015 draft, Thompson was a leader in the locker room, but injuries derailed his on-field production in recent years. Heading into the offseason Shaq expressed that he wanted to end his career in Carolina, but understood that may not be an option for him.

Fans reacted to the news with mixed emotions:

End of an era. It's a shame that we were robbed of his last two seasons due to injury.

Best of luck to Shaq! https://t.co/RZh8pdQne8
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) February 24, 2025

Yall be crying and wanting new talent, talk bad about how untalented the team is, just to get mad when we cut or let somebody walk…smh

You cannot please mfs lol
— OPM 🏁 (@T0niKukoc) February 24, 2025

Last couple of years, Shaq has seen that blue tent more than he seen that process blue lol. I understand why they made this move. Shoutout to him tho and good luck. https://t.co/XnTg1sNzZ5
— The Camtastic Four, MBA 👾 (@Cambostotle) February 24, 2025

This sucks man. I truly believe it’s the correct move but it stinks. https://t.co/Ahz44PZThL
— Dylan𓃰 (@panthersfoo) February 24, 2025

Preciate it Shaq 🫡 was a necessary move good job @Panthers
— Mātt (@itsThatMattDude) February 24, 2025

S/o to Shaq Thompson. Hate it had to be him. But necessary.
— ⚡️T-Time ⚡️ (@Ayo_TTime9) February 24, 2025

We talked about it last month on the podcast. @rickyboboddy and I both agreed, it was time to move on from Shaq Thompson. Wish him nothing but the best wherever he lands. Appreciated his leadership and play during some trying times here in Carolina.
— Panthers On Tap (@PanthersOnTap) February 24, 2025

Sad that Shaq was one of the loudest about how the turf at BOA was trash and his Panthers career ends with a non-contact injury at home. Cold game.
— Unnecessary Bluntness Owner/Coach/QB (@DuncOnDemand) February 24, 2025

Hurt to see injuries dictate these final two seasons with the #Panthers.

Appreciate everything you brought to Carolina @ShaqThompson_54 https://t.co/MBiLQ0ysJg
— Ricky Raines (@rickyboboddy) February 24, 2025

Times passes. Players often change teams. Such is the sweep of history.

But Friend Of The Mailbag is a lifetime appointment, @ShaqThompson_54. pic.twitter.com/Ajus4ND6Go
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) February 24, 2025

Shaq was cool but i feel like it’s time https://t.co/9ZCGVftQcg
— Skeet Smith (@Stfu_Skeet) February 24, 2025

That update was the most serious Panthers news I’ve received in years. 🫳🏽
🌾
— Panthers Culture 🥷🏽 (@PanthersCulture) February 24, 2025

I love it. Let’s bring in some talent #KeepPounding https://t.co/lbVseXynI5
— Jason Hewitt (@JasonHewitt50) February 24, 2025