Panthers LB Shaq Thompson switching back to No. 54

We hope you saved your No. 54 jerseys!

Shaq Thompson is breaking out the throwback threads for his 10th season with the Carolina Panthers.

On Thursday evening, the Panthers’ social media squad confirmed what the soon-to-be 30-year-old linebacker hinted at almost two weeks ago . . .

Thompson spent his first six NFL campaigns in the No. 54 uniform. While donning those digits, the 2015 first-round pick amassed 470 combined tackles, 9.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over 70 games.

He’d dial it down to No. 7 beginning in 2021. Thompson stayed in the single digit for three years—recording 247 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 33 outings.

Even with the Panthers entering a fresh era under president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, the team restructured Thompson’s deal to keep him around for the 2024 season. The move reduced his base pay this season to $3.1 million, with $1.7 million guaranteed, and cleared up approximately $3 million in cap space for the team.

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