Shaq Thompson Reveals Major Factor In Bills Decision

Shaq Thompson spent the first 10 years of his career with the Carolina Panthers. When the team released him back in February, not only was there uncertainty about the next steps of his career, but any new destination would be a major change for him. 

Thompson came off two serious season-ending injuries in the last two seasons, allowing him to only play a total of six games in that time. However, some deep-rooted connections would point him toward his next move. 

The Panthers drafted Thompson back in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, move orchestrated in some part with the help of Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott and Al Holcomb. Those three now hold roles with the Buffalo Bills. 

So it should not come too much as a surprise that the Bills finally claimed Thompson off the market this week, giving him another chance in the middle of their defense. Thompson called back to those connections in his initial conversations with reporters this week. 

"Man . . . got released from Carolina—that's the first step," Thompson said. "But just stayed in connection with [Sean] McDermott, with [Brandon] Beane, with Al Holcomb. Just staying in connection with them, updating them just on surgeries and rehabs and where I'm at and stuff like that. I've been there with them in 2015, in Carolina. So kinda just always had that bond there."

Thompson's last full season of football in 2022 was arguably one of his most productive, totaling a career high 78 solo tackles that contributed to a tally of 135 tackles overall. 

He joins a defense already operating at a high level, forcing the second-most turnovers in football last season with 32. Buffalo's +24 turnover margin was by far the top rank across the league. 

The Bills have a trusted core in place at linebacker already with Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard leading that charge. Yet, Thompson's addition could make for some needed depth if needed down the line and assuming he rids himself of the injury woes that cost him the last two seasons. 

Regardless, his connections certainly helped him make enough of an impression to earn a spot for the time being. His old Carolina pals would certainly enjoy him making a clean return to the field and impacting their defense in a positive way this season.