It may never be too early to think about next year’s wave of free agency. Heck, just ask longtime Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson—who already seems rather mindful of the open market in 2025.
“I been here for nine, going on to 10 years. I mean, this is all I know,” the 30-year-old told reporters in June. “I would love to retire here, but that’s in my fate. And when I say that—I control what I control, I control myself on that field. If I play well, I stay here. If not, I’m out. I understand and know the business. This is my last year, so I’m playing for the Panthers and I’m playing for 31 other teams.”
So, who else can be playing for 31 other teams this upcoming season?
Here are the 40 Panthers players who are set to become free agents after 2024:
RFA = restricted free agent
ERFA = exclusive rights free agent
QB Andy Dalton
Sep 24, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
RB Chuba Hubbard
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 19: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during the second quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
Dec 3, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (3) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
RB Rashaad Penny
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Rashaad Penny #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
RB Mike Boone
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: Mike Boone #34 of the Carolina Panthers attends Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 04, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
WR Diontae Johnson
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 01: Terrace Marshall Jr. #88 of the Carolina Panthers runs against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 24: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #11 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
WR Mike Strachan
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mike Strachan (86) makes a catch during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
WR David Moore
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore (83) runs an agility drill during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
WR Cam Sims
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Cam Sims (87) makes a catch during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
WR Daewood Davis (ERFA)
Showboats’ Daewood Davis (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the UFL game between the San Antonio Brahmas and Memphis Showboats in Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
TE Tommy Tremble
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Kyler Gordon #6 of the Chicago Bears tackles Tommy Tremble #82 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Soldier Field on November 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
TE Ian Thomas
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 24: Ian Thomas #80 of the Carolina Panthers catches the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
TE Stephen Sullivan
Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Stephen Sullivan (84) with the ball as Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin (0) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
TE Jordan Matthews
Jul 28, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Jordan Matthews (88) during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
OT Badara Traore (ERFA)
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Badara Traore (73) looks on during day 7 of the Jaguars Training Camp Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the Knight Sports Complex at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Today marked the first practice in full pads.
Jki Jagstrainingcampday7 29
G Brady Christensen
Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Brady Christensen (70) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
G J.D. DiRenzo (ERFA)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 18: J.D. DiRenzo #65 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 18, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 21-19. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
C Austin Corbett
Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Austin Corbett (63) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
DL Nick Thurman (RFA)
Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Nick Thurman (91) runs on to the field at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
DL LaBryan Ray (ERFA)
Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle LaBryan Ray (67) during pregame at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
DL T.J. Smith (ERFA)
Jun 7, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman T.J. Smith (50) performs a drill during mandatory mini camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
OLB K'Lavon Chaisson
Oct 10, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (45) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Eku Leota (ERFA)
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Eku Leota (46) runs an agility drill during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Cam Gill
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (48) during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Luiji Vilain (RFA)
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Luiji Vilain (43) runs a drill during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
ILB Shaq Thompson
Sep 11, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) eyes the Cleveland Browns offense during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
ILB Chandler Wooten (RFA)
Aug 18, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Chandler Wooten (57) during pregame of National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
ILB Tae Davis
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Tae Davis (33) runs an agility drill during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
CB Troy Hill
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 17: Troy Hill #13 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the second half of the game against the /ATL at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CB Dicaprio Bootle
Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (32) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
CB Lamar Jackson (RFA)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: (L-R) Lamar Jackson #31, head coach Dave Canales, Ja’Tavion Sanders #85, and Tommy Tremble #82 attend Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 04, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
S Jordan Fuller
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) makes a catch during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
S Sam Franklin Jr.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 18: Sam Franklin Jr. #42 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after downing a punt inside the 5 yard line against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
S Nick Scott
Jun 4, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Nick Scott (21) during OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
S Alex Cook (ERFA)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: Alex Cook of the Carolina Panthers attends Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 04, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
K Eddy Piñeiro
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 17: Eddy Pineiro #4 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after kicking the game winning field goal during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
P Johnny Hekker
Nov 27, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) kicks the ball during pregame warmups against the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
LS JJ Jansen
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 23: JJ Jansen #44 of the Carolina Panthers waves to the crowd after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
