Bills 'lucky to have' ex-Panthers' first-round linebacker trying to revive career

The Buffalo Bills' nine-year Carolina connection has resulted in the addition of "type of player you want in that locker room."

Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson makes a diving catch during position drills during day six of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's been nine years, but the Buffalo Bills' connection to former Carolina Panthers' players remains alive.

Since head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane came to the Bills from Carolina in 2017, they have brought in a number of familiar faces from their days with the Panthers. From defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to safety Dean Marlowe to linebacker AJ Klein to cornerback Josh Norman, there were plenty of ex-Panthers who resurfaced with the Bills over the years.

In 2015, the Panthers drafted Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson in Round 1, and he proceeded to spend nine years with the franchise. Now, after back-to-back injury-riddled seasons derailed his career, Thompson is looking for a revival with the Bills, who are led by his old defensive coordinator.

“This is the defense I grew up in," said Thompson back in the spring. "This is the defense in 2015, when I got drafted, this is the defense that I had to learn, so the biggest thing is just terminology for me."

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Despite having recovered from a Week 4 season-ending Achilles tear, Thompson hasn't been available much this summer after leaving the Return of the Blue & Red practice on August 1 due to a hamstring injury.

On Tuesday, Thompson, who has been steadily ramping up his participation, finally returned to team drills action.

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) is injured in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Even without having been on the field much, Thompson has made quite an impression on defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

“Love Shaq Thompson. Love Shaq Thompson, and I'm not even talking to the player," said Babich prior to Wednesday's practice in Orchard Park. "What a cool dude, man. Like, his mentality, the way he approaches the game, you could tell he's a vet. He wants to fit in."

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As it stands, Thompson, who has 123 career appearances and four 100-tackle seasons to his credit, is one of eight linebackers on the Bills' 90-man roster. They'll likely dedicate only five, potentially six, roster spots to the position, but Thompson's experience and leadership qualities differentiate him from the other candidates vying for spots behind Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams.

"He just texted me," said Babich. "He wants to meet later and go over things. He's all about ball. Lucky to have him. Lucky to have him. It's been really cool. I'm not putting expectations on, but I'm just saying, this type of player you want in that locker room."

Buffalo Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson runs towards a player during practice at Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford on July 31, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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