In October, the Carolina Panthers appeared to start a long-term rebuilding course of once they fired head coach Matt Rhule, traded star quarterback Christian McCaffrey and determined to reinstate quarterback Baker Mayfield.
However now they’re beginning to place themselves for a pleasant bounce again.
On Friday, they acquired the primary decide in subsequent month’s NFL draft from the Chicago Bears, and now they’ve reportedly agreed to a brand new contract with linebacker Shaq Thompson.
Sources: #Panthers standout LB Shaq Thompson is predicted to stay in Carolina on a reworked two-year deal, because the workforce retains one among its leaders. A giant week for the Panthers, who traded for the highest decide, then retain a high veteran defenseman for a ninth season. pic.twitter.com/zhNqB2D0HW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2023
Thompson began all 17 video games in 2022 and posted 135 tackles (78 solo), eight tackles for loss and 4 passes defensed.
At 28 years outdated (he’ll be 29 subsequent season), he is one thing of a veteran presence on a comparatively younger Carolina workforce.
Actually, he performed on the 2015 AFC Championship workforce that went to the Tremendous Bowl, solely to lose to the Denver Broncos in Peyton Manning’s remaining sport.
The Panthers actually need assistance on the defensive aspect of the soccer after rating twentieth in factors allowed, twenty eighth in passing touchdowns and twenty ninth in whole yards given up final season.
With the highest decide within the 2023 NFL Draft, they’re positioned to take somebody who might very properly be a authentic franchise quarterback for them for years to come back.
Many really feel they are going to almost certainly take Bryce Younger from the College of Alabama, or choose CJ Stroud from Ohio State College.
Nevertheless, there’s mentioned to be a rising buzz that they may as an alternative choose Anthony Richardson from the College of Florida, who dazzled scouts on the NFL Mix.
NEXT:
Dan Orlovsky says he has a “intestine feeling” concerning the Panthers’ No. 1 decide
