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.

When the Carolina Panthers selected Luke Kuechly in the 2012 NFL Draft, they likely had no idea he would become one of the most impactful players in franchise history. His career, though cut short, left an indelible mark on the team and the league,