USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Feb 18, 2022

If Shaq Thompson’s most recent campaign proved anything, it’s that Clark Kent wears No. 54 and Superman wears No. 7. - The Carolina Panthers linebacker, perhaps powered by his surprise number change, underwent a heroic transformation this past season. In fact, his seventh year in the league proved to be his best—as he was recognized by Pro Football Focus as the team’s most improved player in 2021. - “Thompson had a bounce-back year in 2021,” analyst Anthony Treash writes. “He struggled to lead the linebacker corps without Luke Kuechly in 2020 with a 49.8 PFF grade, ranking 54th of 79 qualifying linebackers. This year, Thompson returned to form as the leader of the position group, producing a top-10 grade at the position.” - That top-10 grade capped off at 72.7—a 22.9-point increase from 2020 through PFF’s system. The site also credited Thompson with jumps in rush defense (57.5 to 64.6), pressure (53.9 to 65.7) and coverage (45.0 to 74.7). - Thompson, additionally, went for a career-high with two interceptions while tying a previous best of six quarterback hits. Plus, had he not missed three games due to a strained plantar fascia, he very likely would’ve surpassed another career-high in tackles (114)—falling just 10 takedowns off the mark. - Carolina’s 2015 first-round selection is now set to enter the two weightiest seasons of his pro tenure. Thompson’s final two years of his current contract will account for cap hits of $18.1 million in 2022 and $19.4 million for 2023. - No matter the output, those numbers will look high for just about any weakside backer. But if he keeps up his super performance, the price won’t look nearly as hefty for the improving 27-year-old. - - RelatedContract details for Panthers' extension of LB Frankie LuvuPanthers LB Shaq Thompson records NFL's fastest sack since 2019 - - List - - Twitter reacts to Panthers' extension of LB Frankie Luvu - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Panthers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

F i l t e r   &   S o r t