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Panthers Leader Heads North: Signs with Bills, Reunites with McDermott!

Bills Sign Veteran LB Shaq Thompson—A Leadership Injection for Buffalo’s Defense

Shaq Thompson to enter free agency

In a bid to strengthen their defense, the Bills signed longtime Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson to a one-year deal, bringing experience and leadership to the locker room.

Panthers will not re-sign longtime linebacker Shaq Thompson - Sportsnet.ca

Thompson, who spent 10 seasons with Carolina and recorded 752 tackles and 12 sacks, reunites with Coach Sean McDermott—his former defensive coordinator.

Analysts say Thompson’s leadership and versatility will be invaluable, especially with young players and injuries already affecting the roster.

Shaq Thompson is wearing No. 7 and making plays and no longer has legends  overshadowing him - The Athletic

“Shaq brings the mentality we need—he’s all about team, toughness, and accountability,” McDermott shared.

A former first-round pick, Thompson was the heart of the Panthers’ defense and is known for his ability to play multiple linebacker spots.

Panthers predicted to move on from long-time veteran in 2025

Bills fans hope Thompson’s arrival signals a new level of discipline and swagger for Buffalo’s defense in 2025.

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Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6. The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season. Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown. Promoted Content Brain Specialist: Honey, The Plaque Destroyer (Watch This)   Brain Journal Researcher: Honey Method, Alzheimer's Natural Predator (See How)   Brain Journal Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Habit. Do You Do It?   Brain Defender Dementia & Memory Loss Have Been Linked To This Habit. You Do It?   Brain Journal While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year. The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football. The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.