ATL All Day
Fansided

Falcons Must Pursue Defensive Leader the Panthers Just Moved on From

The Falcons should consider going after veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, who will not be re-signed by the Carolina Panthers.
ByJovan Alford|
Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After a disappointing showing by the Atlanta Falcons defense this past season, the team needs to put a ton of resources into the unit this offseason. 

The Falcons’ defense failed to get pressure (31 sacks – 31st in the NFL) and was middle of the pack against the run (120.6 rushing yards per game allowed). Atlanta also gave up its fair share of points, allowing 24.9 points per game (ranked 23rd in the NFL). 

The Falcons must get younger on the defensive line while finding playmakers at the safety and linebacker spots. Atlanta’s linebacker unit wasn’t horrible in 2024 as Kaden Elliss had another 100-plus tackle season and Nate Landman played well in his third season.

That said, if new Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is looking for more depth at the LB spot in his 4-3 defensive scheme, Atlanta should consider pursuing veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson.

The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday that they would not be re-signing the 30-year-old Thompson, making him an unrestricted free agent. Thompson has played in six games over the last two seasons due to back-to-back season-ending injuries.

Thompson suffered a broken ankle in Week 2 of the 2023 season and a torn Achilles in Week 4 this past season. However, when healthy, Thompson is one of the better linebackers in the NFL and had a four-year run with 100-plus tackles.

The former Panthers defender has played the last two seasons in a 3-4 scheme under Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. However, Thompson has spent most of his career playing in a 4-3 scheme under two different defensive coordinators.

Given Thompson’s age and injury history, it might not cost much for the Falcons to bring in the former Panthers linebacker. If Atlanta were to go after Thompson, fans shouldn’t expect the vet to be a full-time starter. Thompson could be a solid depth piece/spot starter at linebacker just in case someone gets hurt.

More Atlanta Falcons News and Rumors:

Home/Atlanta Falcons