There's no replacing Luke Kuechly.
The Panthers won't find a player who fits exactly into the spot he is leaving behind, on or off the field. When looking at what the team will do next at linebacker, that is important to remember from the start. There will be no easy fix. Hall of Fame linebackers aren't just walking around, and even if a good replacement is found through the NFL Draft, no rookie will be able to match Kuechly's skill right away.
Knowing that, we're going to take a look at what the linebacker situation looks this offseason and the effect of Kuechly moving on will have for Carolina on the field. We'll look more specifically at edge rushers later in the offseason.
Just over a month ago, the team's biggest offseason question at the position would be if Shaq Thompson would return or test free agency. However, general manager Marty Hurney took care of that before the season ended, giving Thompson a four-year extension worth $54.2 million. The contract gives Thompson a higher per-year salary average, $13.6 million, than Kuechly received in his latest extension in 2015 ($12.4 million).
Outside of Thompson, the Panthers have mostly just young talent left at the position with the team parting ways with Thomas Davis last offseason. Kuechly's decision will play a large role in what they do in the draft this year.
