The San Francisco 49ers were one of 16 teams that didn't make the playoffs during the 2024 season. They went 6-11 and seek to make some tweaks this offseason to improve the roster.
The 49ers brought Robert Saleh back to become their defensive coordinator. Even though free agency will open in March, the 49ers have already been gifted an opportunity to add a low-risk, high-reward defender.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers let linebacker Shaq Thompson know they'll allow him to become a free agent and won't re-sign him. He could be a good option for the 49ers to bring in this spring.
Panthers recently informed veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson that he will be allowed to become a free agent and the team does not plan to re-sign him. pic.twitter.com/LD1clAXAJT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025
Shaq Thompson Could Be an Option for 49ers in Free Agency
Thompson has been injured over the last two seasons. In 2023, he broke his ankle in Week 2, which ended his season. Then, this past season, he tore his Achilles in Week 4.
Thompson has been rehabbing over the last few months and seeks to make an impact in 2025. He came into the league as the 25th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and was a reliable defender in the middle of the field.
In 123 career games with the Panthers, the 30-year-old has registered 752 total tackles, 54 TFLs, 12 sacks, and 26 pass deflections. While he may not be the same player he was in his prime, he could be worth the flier for San Francisco.
The 49ers have D'Vondre Campbell and Dre Greenlaw hitting free agency next month. While it's clear that Campbell won't return to the Bay in 2025, there will be conversations with Greenlaw.
Regardless, the 49ers could use some depth in the linebacker room. The idea of bringing in Thompson could be worth the dart throw. In his career, Thompson has four seasons with 100-plus tackles, showing his ability to consistently find the ball.
The former safety turned linebacker also has the awareness and instincts to make plays in coverage. Thompson has the tools that make him an intriguing option for the 2025 season.