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.

Longtime Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson will not be back with the organization in 2025. Carolina announced on Monday that Thompson will not be re-signed and will become a free agent for the first time in his career.

The sight of Thompson in a bucket hat instead of a helmet is an all-too-familiar one as the veteran linebacker has played in a total of six games in the last two seasons. Carolina's historically porous defense needs consistent contributors, not burgeoning question marks.