Shaq Thompson, known for his reliability on the Carolina Panthers defense, faced a setback in 2023 when he suffered a leg fracture in Week 2. Despite concerns about his return, the team made adjustments to his contract during the offseason, positioning the 30-year-old linebacker as a player to watch for a comeback in the 2024 season according to Pro Football Focus.
Thompson’s longevity with the Panthers is impressive, and he is not just a leftover from their Super Bowl run, he is also a skilled player. Despite fracturing his ankle early in the 2023 season, he has consistently performed well when healthy, with solid grades and high tackle numbers. His return to form in 2024 could be crucial for Carolina’s defense to improve under their new coach, Dave Canales.