The Los Angeles Chargers have a busy next few weeks lined up as the start of NFL free agency looms on Wednesday, March 12. The 2025 offseason will see 26 Chargers hitting the open market, according to Spotrac, including veteran linebackers Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye, who have a combined 15 years of experience between them.
Although the Chargers still have time to re-sign the upcoming FA duo, their retention isn't guaranteed. Fortunately, Los Angeles just learned that it will have the perfect target to bolster its LB room next month.
Chargers Must Target LB Shaq Thompson in Free Agency
NFL insider Adam Schefter began the week by reporting that the Carolina Panthers will not be re-signing pending free agent LB Shaq Thompson. The 10-year veteran will be looking for a fresh start after missing the majority of the 2024 campaign with a torn Achilles.
"We appreciate Shaq's leadership and dedication over the past 10 seasons," Panthers general manager Dan Morgan wrote. "Always a source of passion and enthusiasm, he was committed to this organization on and off the field, poured into his teammates, and strived to bring out the best in them."
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
If the Chargers are looking to replace Perryman and Dye or to upgrade the LB room as a whole, targeting a proven name like Thompson makes a world of sense.
The former Washington defender has more than proven himself throughout the last decade, racking up 470 solo tackles, 26 defended passes, and 12 sacks while adding four forced fumbles and three interceptions. He's also tallied 13 solo tackles in four postseason appearances, indicating that he knows how to step up when it matters most.
While there's no denying the impact he can have on the gridiron, the Chargers' potential interest in Thompson will likely hinge on how they view his health. The former 2015 first-rounder is coming off two major leg-related injuries that capped him at a combined six appearances across the last pair of seasons.
Having said that, Thompson's injury history means the Chargers might be able to sign him at a low-cost price. He'll likely need to take a cheaper contract to prove that he still has 'it,' which means Los Angeles could have a bargain on its hands if he can return to form.
Just like the rest of the NFL, the Chargers can begin negotiating with Thompson when the tampering period begins on Monday, March 10. While signing him likely wouldn't "win" the offseason, he's the type of low-risk, high-reward player who can help L.A. return to the playoffs for the second straight season.