“I would love to end my career here.” Those were veteran Panthers LB Shaq Thompson’s words in his exit interview as the 2024 season came to a close. Little did he know his dreams of staying as a Panther for life were never going to be fulfilled. The organization to whom Thompson dedicated 10 seasons of his NFL career had other plans in their mind. Like there were already rumors Thompson and the Panthers were heading for a divorce before next season—Well, that rumor has just now come true as the Panthers announced the exit of their franchise icon with a heartwarming farewell message.

Their GM, Dan Morgan, took it upon himself to beautifully present what Thompson meant to their franchise over the course of 10 seasons, “We appreciate Shaq’s leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons. Always a source of passion and enthusiasm. He was committed to this organization on and off the field, poured into his teammates, and strived to bring out the best in them. We wish Shaq the best as he moves forward with his career.” There’s absolutely no doubt Thompson will be remembered for his contributions as a Panther, even if his time in Carolina has come to an end.

It all started with him getting picked as a first-rounder in 2015. And when you are a Panther, there’s no way you can forget the 2015 season. Arguably, it was the greatest-ever campaign of the Panthers, where they went 15-1 on their way to Super Bowl 50. Yes, they couldn’t get the job done against the Broncos, losing 24-10. But the Panthers got a team captain and probably a future Panthers Hall of Famer in then-rookie Shaq Thompson. In his first eight years, Thompson never appeared in less than 14 games while constantly improving as a monstrous tackler.

His best season came in 2022 when Thompson recorded 135 total tackles. But never did he or anyone in Carolina predict the next few years. Come 2023—the Panthers LB ended up suffering a broken ankle in just the second week of the season. His first major setback was followed by an even greater setback last season. After starting his 2024 strong—pulling in 35 combined tackles in just 4 starts—Thompson ruptured his Achilles. And that was the final nail in the coffin for Thompson’s Panthers tenure.

He never really got a chance to say a proper goodbye to his beloved Panthers. I guess there’s always a good and bad to everything. As for Thompson—he experienced both in his 10-year period in Carolina. With Thompson set to hit the free agency market, the Panthers are already trying to bolster their squad. However, with someone on the other side of the ball.

Is Deebo Samuel Carolina bound?

49ers receiver Deebo Samuel is just coming off a disappointing where he clearly showed signs of regression. After helping the Niners to a Super Bowl LVIII trip last season, Samuel couldn’t even get the 49ers out of the NFC West bottom. Yes, you could say San Fran had injuries all over their roster.

But the same cannot be said for Deebo. He played all 15 games, logging just 51 catches for 670 receiving yards from last year’s 60 catches for 892 yards. His numbers on the red zone also took a nose dive, which riffled down from 7 to 3 last season.

So, with his stock at its lowest. Carolina could come in with a 4-th round pick to get Samuel from the Bay Area. And considering he is a South Carolina native. The Panthers also hold the upper hand in this move. See, I know Samuel has had an awful 2024. But it’s like the end of work for the 29-year-old. He is still a Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro. And who knows, maybe playing in his native town could help Samuel rediscover his flair in the NFL.