Former Buccaneers Return Man Reaches Injury Settlement With Panthers

Deven Thompkins is once again looking for a new team in free agency.

Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Deven Thompkins (12) makes a catch during training camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports | Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Devin Thompkins during OTAs this offseason. And after finding a place, he's now a free agent once again.

Thompkins was picked up by the Carolina Panthers in July after being waived by the Buccaneers in May with an injury designation for his hamstring. He then reunited with former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, now the head coach for the Panthers, in July. And now, he's been waived by Carolina for the exact same reason — an injury designation for his hamstring, per FOX Sports' Greg Auman:

Panthers have reached an injury settlement with receiver Deven Thompkins, who was waived-injured with a hamstring injury. Now can sign with other teams, or later go back to Carolina.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 17, 2024

Thompkins was waived by the Buccaneers amid domestic violence allegations by his estranged wife, Maria Castillos. The NFL conducted an internal investigation on the matter and ended the investigation in July, with NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy saying that the league "did not discover sufficient evidence" in regard to the allegations.

READ MORE: Ex-Buccaneers QB Tom Brady Teasing NFL Return Ahead of Broadcast Career

As Auman noted in the tweet above, Thompkins can freely sign with another team or perhaps land back in Carolina with the Panthers after the roster is cut down. It is very unlikely that he'll return to Tampa Bay, as his value as a return man seems stifled with the new kickoff rules heavily favoring running backs — RBs Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker are currently set to serve as Tampa Bay's return men.

READ MORE: How to Watch Buccaneers at Jaguars: Kickoff Time, TV Channel & Odds

Stick with BucsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout training camp.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Tom Brady Builds Ultimate Football Roster of Team USA Basketball Players

• Buccaneers Ownership Reportedly Turned Down Record-Setting Offer to Sell Team

• How Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker Took Advantage of Preseason Game 1

• Buccaneers Veteran Gives Major Praise to Rookie Center After First NFL Game