Linebacker Shaq Thompson's time with the Carolina Panthers is over, as the team informed its former first-round pick it would not be re-signing him, allowing Thompson to explore his options in free agency.

Thompson, the linebacker who ranks fourth on the Carolina Panthers’ all-time tackle list, has been informed by the team that it will be moving in another direction at his position. Thompson, 30, will enter NFL free agency.

The Carolina Panthers are moving on from longtime linebacker Shaq Thompson. The Panthers informed Thompson, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, that they will not be re-signing him. Thompson is expected to pursue other options in free agency.