Mandatory minicamp kicked off for the Buffalo Bills today and the biggest headline early on in the day was the presence of running back James Cook, who is in the middle of a contract drama situation with the Bills’ organization. However, he has shown up so he is with the team, we just don’t know if he will be practicing as he waits for a new deal.
While that situation will be closely monitored, there is a new situation that can be monitored throughout the summer for the Bills in the linebacker room. The Bills have reportedly signed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson who spent the last decade with the Carolina Panthers (his first two seasons under Sean McDermott as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator).
Thompson was released by the Panthers this past offseason and I wrote about how it would not be surprising to see Thompson end up in a Bills uniform in 2025. Well, here we are now. Thompson is in Buffalo and back with McDermott.
He will join the linebacker room with Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Joe Andreessen, Dorian Williams, and Baylon Spector. The way that this signing could be viewed is just a summer signing to provide extra competition, or Thompson could easily take a roster spot from someone like Spector or Andreessen.
Signing of Shap Thompson provides depth and leadership on defense
The entire offseason for the Bills has all been about bulking up the defense. Whether it was through free agency of the draft, Brandon Beane showed his vision and he’s showing it once again. In ten seasons with the Panthers, Thompson racked up 752 total tackles (with four consecutive seasons of 100+ total tackles from 2019-2022), 12 sacks, 32 QB hits, and 26 pass deflections.
The last two seasons have been rough for Thompson as he has only played in six total games due to injuries. So, once again that is a major risk that the Bills are taking on. However, there is familiarity with Thompson and it’s extra competition for training camp.
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