Just a couple years ago, the Panthers had the best and deepest linebacker corps in the league. The combination of Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly gave the team a rare pair of talents in the center of a strong defense. Life changes quickly in the NFL, though.
Last offseason, Davis left the franchise after 13 seasons, signing as a free agent with the Chargers. While he was obviously past his prime, the team struggled to fill the leadership void that Davis left behind. Kuechly was still able to play at a high level, but he was unable to make the same impact as he previously had with Davis by his side.
Now that Kuechly has announced his retirement, Carolina’s defense faces a crisis of depth and experience at this position. Nobody will feel that weight more than Shaq Thompson, who signed a four-year contract extension recently. Thompson just shared a post on Twitter promising to step up and lead in Kuechly’s absence.
Thompson was a first-round pick in the 2015 draft and he’s seen his role grow with each passing year. In 2019, he posted a career high 109 combined tackles, including 11 for a loss.
He’s only one man, though. Carolina will also need backups like Jermaine Carter Jr. and Andre Smith to elevate their game, as well.
More help may also be on the way. Replacing Kuechly is impossible, but the Panthers hold the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft, which would be a good spot to take Clemson star Isaiah Simmons.
