The pipeline from the Carolina Panthers to the [Buffalo Bills](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/) has slowed down with Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane being away from the team since 2017 and 2018 respectively, but that doesn’t mean that it’s closed off entirely.
On Tuesday, the team announced that they had signed linebacker Shaq Thompson, a player very familiar with McDermott and Beane. Thompson, 31, entered the league as a first-round pick of the Panthers in 2015. At that time, McDermott served as Carolina’s defensive coordinator while Beane was assistant general manager of the franchise.
Early in his career, Thompson played a big role in Sean McDermott’s defense as the team’s “big nickel.” He would stay on the field as a hybrid linebacker/safety over a traditional defensive back. In Buffalo, Thompson is expected to compete for a depth role.
The veteran has battled injuries in the past two seasons playing just six total games. He suffered a broken fibula in 2023 and tore his Achilles last season.
Thompson is far from a lock to make the Bills’ 53-man roster, but his veteran presence will be an asset this summer. Minus Matt Milano, a veteran entering his ninth season, Buffalo’s linebacker room is filled with players who have played three seasons or less in their respective careers. Thompson will bring a wealth of knowledge to the likes of Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Joe Andreessen, Edefuan Ulofoshio and Baylon Spector.
In his career, Thompson has played in 123 games (112 starts) recording 752 total tackles (54 TFL), 12 sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.