When the Carolina Panthers drafted Shaq Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, they created one of the best linebacker trios in the league with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, who helped lead the team to the 2016 Super Bowl.

Fast forward to now–after 10 seasons with the team and the retirements of Kuechly and Davis, Shaq Thompson will become a free agent. On Monday, the general manager of the Panthers, Dan Morgan released a statement:

“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.”

Dan Morgan, Panthers GM

One team that should be interested in signing Thompson in free agency is the New England Patriots.

While the Pats have two starting-caliber inside linebackers in Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai, Bentley is recovering from a torn pec he suffered in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks this past season.

Adding Thompson will bring a veteran presence and linebacker depth to the locker room. Nothing proves Thompson’s leadership more than the fact that he is a five-time captain.

In addition, Thompson may be an inexpensive signing after only playing in six games over the last two seasons due to a torn Achilles in 2024 and a broken ankle in 2023.

Before his injuries, Thompson was one of the best linebackers in the league.

From 2019 to 2022, Shaq recorded over 100 tackles each season and had a career-high 135 tackles in the 2022 season.

The Patriots need more veteran leadership and postseason experience to get back to competing for championships.

If EVP of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, were to sign Thompson, the team would get a player who brings both.