Panthers Pick Up Option on Shaq Thompson

[kungfoodude]

https://247sports.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/Bolt/Report-Panthers-to-pick-up-2019-option-on-Shaq-Thompson-116697323

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In what was arguably the most obvious expected move of the offseason for the Carolina Panthers, the team has elected to pick up its fifth-year option for the 2019 season on linebacker Shaq Thompson, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

All first-round picks since the latest collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011 between the NFL and NFLPA are given fifth-year team options as part of their rookie contracts. It allows the team to keep the player for one more year past the standard four-year rookie contract, and at a reasonable price. Teams must decide on picking up the option the offseason prior to the player's contract expiring. Thompson's current deal is set to run out out after the 2018 season. The Panthers' official deadline to pick up Thompson's option for the following season expires on May 3.

The Panthers have used their fifth-year option on every player since the rule came to pass: Cam Newton (2014), Luke Kuechly (2015), Star Lotulelei (2016) and Kelvin Benjamin (2017). Thompson was drafted 25th overall out of Washington in the 2015 NFL Draft. For players selected 11-32, their option salary is the average of the third through 25th highest-paid players at their position. Last year's linebacker option value for a player of Thompson's nature was around $8.7 million.

Thompson's role in the Panthers defense has increased each of the past three seasons. He started 10 games in 2015 with 50 tackles, opened 12 games in 2016 with 56 tackles, and made a career-high 14 starts in 2017 with 61 tackles and two sacks. Despite Thompson's supreme athleticism and his high marks on the defensive side of the football, his snaps have still been limited due to the role of star linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. But Davis, who's set to retire following the 2018 season, said himself following the Panthers' playoff loss in New Orleans in January that Thompson deserved more playing time going forward, and the veteran linebacker indicated he would take at least somewhat of a diminished role as a result.

The former hybrid linebacker/safety defender from Washington has made a nice transition to the NFL in Carolina's defense, playing a big role in nickel packages with the ability to cover tight ends and make tackles in space.

Still just 23 years of age, Thompson's best days as a defender are in front of him, and the Panthers likely are going to do everything they can to keep him in Charlotte as long as possible. Picking up next year's option is a productive - albeit obvious - first step.

 

Hopefully we can lock him up to a longer term deal in the offseason. Looks like he would have a projected $8-10 million cap figure for 2019 if we let things stand as they are.