LB Shaq Thompson signs with Bills, reunites with Sean McDermott

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th June, 12:12 2025

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their defensive corps on Tuesday by signing linebacker Shaq Thompson to a one-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed for Thompson, who will be reunited with head coach Sean McDermott.

Thompson was selected by Carolina with the 25th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent the first two seasons of his NFL career playing under McDermott, who was the defensive coordinator of the Panthers from 2011-16 before becoming head coach of the Bills in 2017.

Injuries limited Thompson to four games in 2024 (torn Achilles) and two games in 2023 (broken ankle).

Thompson, 31, has recorded 752 tackles, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions in 123 games (112 starts) in his career, all with Carolina.

He helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50 during his rookie season and climbed to fourth place in team history in tackles, trailing Luke Kuechly (1,092), Thomas Davis (1,077) and Mike Minter (771).

--Field Level Media

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