At this stage of the offseason, most NFL teams have finalized their rosters—but the Buffalo Bills made a late addition by signing veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson to bolster Sean McDermott’s defense.
Thompson, who spent the first decade of his career with the Carolina Panthers, faced uncertainty after being released in February. That move marked a potential turning point, especially given he was coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries, limiting him to just six games over the past two years.
Despite the challenges, longstanding relationships helped guide him to his next opportunity. Thompson was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft—a decision influenced by then-Carolina staffers Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott, and Al Holcomb, all of whom now hold prominent roles in Buffalo.
Given those connections, it’s not all that surprising the Bills brought Thompson aboard this week. Speaking to reporters, Thompson acknowledged the bond he maintained with his former coaches.
“Man … getting released from Carolina was the first step,” he said. “But I stayed in touch with McDermott, Beane, and Holcomb. Kept them updated on my surgeries and recovery. We’ve had a connection since 2015 in Carolina. That bond’s always been there.”
Thompson’s last full season came in 2022, when he recorded a career-best 78 solo tackles and totaled 135 tackles overall—highlighting his value when healthy.
He now joins a Bills defense that led the NFL in turnover margin last season (+24) and ranked second in takeaways with 32. While the linebacker unit is already anchored by Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, Thompson could provide valuable depth—assuming he can stay healthy.
In the end, it was his past relationships and proven track record that helped him earn this new opportunity. And his former Carolina colleagues in Buffalo are surely hopeful he can return to form and contribute meaningfully this season.
