Former Panther Joins Bills in NFL Move That Feels Familiar
For a decade, Shaq Thompson was the heartbeat of the Carolina Panthers' defense. He was a steady force, a leader in the locker room, and a fan favorite. Now, in a move that both stings and intrigues, the longtime linebacker is heading north to join the Buffalo Bills.
Advertisement
Thompson, 31, signed with Buffalo this week, officially closing the chapter on his 10-year career in Carolina, where he was a 2015 first-round draft pick and grew into the franchise's defensive captain. While the parting may be painful for Panthers fans, Thompson's new journey is deeply rooted in familiar soil.
'Man… got released from Carolina—that's the first step,' Thompson said with a grin during his first press conference as a Bill. 'But just stayed in connection with McDermott, with Beane, with Al Holcomb… we had that bond back in 2015.'
That trio, Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, and Al Holcomb was part of Thompson's early development in Carolina. Now all integral members of the Bills' leadership, they've built what many in the league jokingly call 'Carolina North,' a moniker for the pipeline that has delivered a steady stream of ex-Panthers to Orchard Park.
Thompson joins a long list of former Panthers who've made the leap: Josh Norman, Star Lotulelei, Mario Addison, and A.J. Klein, among others. The connection runs deep, and apparently, so does the conversation.
Advertisement
'Oh yeah, for sure,' Thompson laughed when asked about the 'Carolina North' running joke. 'Guys talk. You want to know what the other locker room is like, what's different, what's better, how they win.'
For Panthers fans, Thompson's departure is bittersweet. He was more than just a linebacker, he was a cornerstone. With 818 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 interceptions across 119 starts, he embodied toughness and longevity in a franchise that's struggled with continuity.
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Adarius Taylor (57) and outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn (21) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) huddle before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
But it wasn't just the stats. Thompson was there for the highs and the lows. From Super Bowl 50 to multiple coaching changes and rebuilds, he stayed, he led, and he gave everything to the city of Charlotte.
Advertisement
And now, he'll get a chance to prove he's still got plenty left in the tank, just wearing a different shade of blue.
The football gods have a sense of humor, though. Panthers fans won't have to wait long to see their old friend again. In Week 8, Thompson returns to Bank of America Stadium as the Bills face the Panthers in a matchup already circled on every Carolina calendar.
For a player who gave everything to one team for a decade, Thompson's journey continues with purpose, and maybe a little unfinished business.
Related: Cam Newton Launches New BET Show, 106 & Sports
Related: Could Panthers Land Hometown Hero Jaire Alexander
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
4 takeaways: Bills injury updates, position battles, stadium return, more from camp
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WIVB) — Injuries have been the prevalent storyline of Buffalo Bills training camp thus far, and that continued when the team returned from a day off for its seventh practice at St. John Fisher University. Here are some WIVB News 4 takeaways from the session and media availabilities. Who's out? Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is out indefinitely with a sprained ligament in the right knee he hurt Tuesday during a non-contact drill. The injury is not as severe as some originally feared, but it does lower the likelihood of Buffalo's first-round draft pick's beating out returning veteran Tre'Davious White for a starting position. Hairston was seen using crutches to get around campus Thursday. Meanwhile second-year safety Cole Bishop, another young defender being groomed for the starting lineup, was held out of practice Tuesday with a quadriceps injury. Bishop hurt his shoulder last summer and started his rookie season on injured reserve. A groin issue limited him during minicamp. Backup offensive lineman Alec Anderson has been listed as week-to-week after having surgery for a right knee injury sustained during Monday's practice. Starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (hamstring), backup linebacker Dorian Williams (calf), kicker Tyler Bass (pelvis) offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (calf), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and rookie wideout Kaden Prather (hamstring) remained out of practice, while receiver Joshua Palmer spent the latter portion of practice working with trainers on the side. Veteran defensive linemen Greg Rousseau and Daquan Jones, and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins were given the day off to rest. Who's in The Bills activated right tackle Spencer Brown from the physically unable to perform list after Thursday's practice. Brown has missed the start of camp with a recurring back injury, but has been engaged with teammates on the sidelines during individual and team drills, and was seen doing agility testing with trainers Thursday. Tight end Dawson Knox practiced for the first time Thursday after being held out with a hamstring injury. Receiver Tyrell Shavers returned after missing two practices with an ankle injury, as did defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, who was held out Tuesday due to illness. With injured defensive end Hayden Harris (hamstring) waived, the Bills brought back Kameron Cline, who spent much of the past two seasons on the practice squad. The replacements With Bernard out, fourth-year veteran Baylon Spector and second-year player Joe Andreesseen rotated at middle linebacker with the starting defense. Damar Hamlin and Darrick Forest rotated alongside Taylor Rapp at safety. Rookie Jordan Hancock has been moving between backup safety and the nickel position during training camp. Ryan Van DeMark took Dawkins' place at left tackle. Second-year player Tylan Grable has been playing right tackle with the starting OL since Brown went out. Hairston's injury has created opportunity for another rookie. Dorian Strong, a sixth-round pick from Virginia Tech, practiced with the second-team Thursday and continued displaying coverage skill shown in limited reps prior to that. Coming attraction The annual Return of the Blue and Red practice kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Highmark Stadium. In years past, the color of Josh Allen's helmet has been the most notable development at this event that draws more than 40,000 fans to the Bills stadium. The Bills have Saturday off before returning to St. John Fisher for the final four training camp practices in a five-day span. *** Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Loopy Godinez: Jessica Andrade 'biggest fight of my career,' but a favorable one
Loopy Godinez is confident she can capitalize on the opportunity of facing a former champion at UFC 319. Godinez (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) takes on ex-UFC strawweight title holder Jessica Andrade (26-14 MMA, 17-12 UFC) on Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). After back-to-back losses to Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, Godinez rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Julia Polastri at UFC on ESPN 64 in March. She thinks a win over Andrade will propel her a big step forward in her career. "Definitely, I'm really excited for this fight. I think it's also a great matchup for us," Godinez told MMA Junkie Radio. "It's a big, big opportunity, and it's also the biggest fight of my career." Andrade has struggled as of late, with five loss in her past seven bouts. Godinez thinks the Brazilian powerhouse's walk forward style will play into her favor. "She's well-rounded, and her power, she's really strong," Godinez said. "Honestly, we've been working really hard in every area. Everywhere the fight goes, we will have an answer. ... I think I have more tools to use when someone is aggressive and coming forward. She likes her hooks, that gives me a lot of space for my work, and I really believe this is a great matchup for me."
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Falcons work out former top-10 draft pick, per report
According to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Atlanta Falcons worked out cornerback C.J. Henderson on Thursday afternoon and are contemplating whether or not to sign the former first-round pick. Henderson was selected ninth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2020, but his career has yet to live up to his draft status. The 26-year-old played just 10 games in Jacksonville before getting traded to the Carolina Panthers. He spent three seasons in Carolina (2021-2023) but did not return in 2024. Over his five NFL seasons, Henderson has appeared in 49 games (32 starts), recording three interceptions, 16 passes defended, two forced fumbles and one sack. Last season, the former Florida Gator signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was placed on the injured reserve list and did not appear in a single game. The Falcons signed safety Henry Black and released wide receiver Makai Polk from their 90-man training camp roster on Thursday morning. Atlanta also worked out former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead on Wednesday as the team looks to add more secondary depth. Check out the Falcons' updated 90-man roster following Tuesday's transactions. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons work out former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson
