Question about Shaq's Contract

[trueblade]

I am have a question about Thompson. From OverTheCap:

Quote

Shaq Thompson signed a 4 year contract with the Panthers on May 8, 2015 worth $8,808,725. Thompson received a $4,666,344 signing bonus and $7.17 million in guarantees. Carolina holds a fifth year option on the contract. The Panthers picked up the option for 2019. The option is worth $9.232 million and is guaranteed for injury. If he is on the roster on the first day of the 2019 league year his salary will become fully guaranteed.

When we put Shaq on IR, did that in essence guarantee his 2019 salary, meaning we're paying him (and taking his cap hit for the full 9.2 million) whether he's here or not?

[WesleyM]

If he is cleared to play by first day of league year, no.  

[The Lobo]

I thought the IR on him was a tad odd. No reports of him being hurt the game prior right? Do they plan on cutting him this offseason? 

[CarolinaNCSU]

Although I'd honestly be fine getting rid of Shaq, also feel like he won't play under that 9 million number this year anyway.  He'll get re-signed this summer, 4 years 25 million or so. 

[LinvilleGorge]

18 minutes ago, The Lobo said:

I thought the IR on him was a tad odd. No reports of him being hurt the game prior right? Do they plan on cutting him this offseason? 

Hopefully. You can't pay a LB of his caliber $9M+. Either extend him to a reasonable deal or let him walk.

[CPF4LIFE]

9 million for a drop back LB who is not even a pro bowl player on tight cap room? Nope

[PantherNation123]

I'll continue to say this, but until Shaq is playing in his true role full-time (where TD plays), we won't know exactly what we have.  He played very well there to begin the year, and I think he would continue to.  He is a great linebacker and would be a big blow if we lost him

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, PantherNation123 said:

I'll continue to say this, but until Shaq is playing in his true role full-time (where TD plays), we won't know exactly what we have.  He played very well there to begin the year, and I think he would continue to.  He is a great linebacker and would be a big blow if we lost him

It would be a big blow to lose a great LB, but I do not see Thompson as one that fits that description.  He is not worth the $$.

[Raleigh PF]

1 minute ago, Pissed-Off-Carolina-Chuck said:

Either cut him or give him a long term deal to reduce his cap. Im fine with 6m a year but now any more

Begrudgingly, I would agree, but have to ask...what reason would Shaq have to sign a reduced deal? If the Panthers cut him, he takes his chances that he finds a taker for more money, but there's always a sucker out there willing to toss money at a problem.