Linebacker Shaq Thompson's time with the Carolina Panthers is over, as the team informed its former first-round pick it would not be re-signing him, allowing Thompson to explore his options in free agency.

Thompson, the linebacker who ranks fourth on the Carolina Panthers’ all-time tackle list, has been informed by the team that it will be moving in another direction at his position. Thompson, 30, will enter NFL free agency.

The Carolina Panthers will not re-sign veteran outside linebacker Shaq Thompson, allowing the former first-round draft pick to enter free agency.