Latest news with #ex-Panthers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Panther Joins Bills in NFL Move That Feels Familiar
Former Panther Joins Bills in NFL Move That Feels Familiar originally appeared on Athlon Sports. For a decade, Shaq Thompson was the heartbeat of the Carolina Panthers' defense. He was a steady force, a leader in the locker room, and a fan favorite. Now, in a move that both stings and intrigues, the longtime linebacker is heading north to join the Buffalo Bills. Advertisement Thompson, 31, signed with Buffalo this week, officially closing the chapter on his 10-year career in Carolina, where he was a 2015 first-round draft pick and grew into the franchise's defensive captain. While the parting may be painful for Panthers fans, Thompson's new journey is deeply rooted in familiar soil. 'Man… got released from Carolina—that's the first step,' Thompson said with a grin during his first press conference as a Bill. 'But just stayed in connection with McDermott, with Beane, with Al Holcomb… we had that bond back in 2015.' That trio, Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, and Al Holcomb was part of Thompson's early development in Carolina. Now all integral members of the Bills' leadership, they've built what many in the league jokingly call 'Carolina North,' a moniker for the pipeline that has delivered a steady stream of ex-Panthers to Orchard Park. Thompson joins a long list of former Panthers who've made the leap: Josh Norman, Star Lotulelei, Mario Addison, and A.J. Klein, among others. The connection runs deep, and apparently, so does the conversation. Advertisement 'Oh yeah, for sure,' Thompson laughed when asked about the 'Carolina North' running joke. 'Guys talk. You want to know what the other locker room is like, what's different, what's better, how they win.' For Panthers fans, Thompson's departure is bittersweet. He was more than just a linebacker, he was a cornerstone. With 818 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 interceptions across 119 starts, he embodied toughness and longevity in a franchise that's struggled with continuity. Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Adarius Taylor (57) and outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn (21) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) huddle before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images But it wasn't just the stats. Thompson was there for the highs and the lows. From Super Bowl 50 to multiple coaching changes and rebuilds, he stayed, he led, and he gave everything to the city of Charlotte. Advertisement And now, he'll get a chance to prove he's still got plenty left in the tank, just wearing a different shade of blue. The football gods have a sense of humor, though. Panthers fans won't have to wait long to see their old friend again. In Week 8, Thompson returns to Bank of America Stadium as the Bills face the Panthers in a matchup already circled on every Carolina calendar. For a player who gave everything to one team for a decade, Thompson's journey continues with purpose, and maybe a little unfinished business. Related: Cam Newton Launches New BET Show, 106 & Sports Related: Could Panthers Land Hometown Hero Jaire Alexander This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Controversial ex-Panthers WR signs with new team
Controversial ex-Panthers WR signs with new team An ex-Carolina Panthers wideout, and a pretty controversial one at that, has found yet another home. The Cleveland Browns made their signing of receiver Diontae Johnson official on Monday. The 28-year-old pass catcher spent the bulk of his 2024 campaign in Carolina, where he appeared in a total of seven games. Johnson, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first five seasons of his NFL career, was acquired by the Panthers in a trade on March 12, 2024. The former Pro Bowler amassed 357 yards and three touchdowns on 30 receptions before being traded, once again, later that year. While they never made the reasoning behind their decision clear—the Panthers shipped Johnson, and a 2025 sixth-round pick, off to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2025 fifth-rounder on Oct. 29. He'd also wear out his welcome there, as he was released shortly after refusing to enter Baltimore's Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Houston Texans would then try to give Johnson a spin, but to no avail. He was let go on Jan. 14 following Houston's wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers—where, during immediate the aftermath of the victory, he was seen sitting at his locker in frustration after a lack of targets. Johnson finished the season with career-lows in catches (33) and receiving yards (375). Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Former Panthers QB coach nearing deal to join Cowboys
A former Carolina Panthers coach seems to be on his way to "Jerry World." According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the Dallas Cowboys are working towards a deal to hire ex-Panthers quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey. Per Garafolo, Dorsey's exact role on the Cowboys's staff has yet to be finalized. Dorsey, a seventh-round pick out of the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2003, played quarterback for six seasons in the NFL. He split his time between the San Francisco 49ers (2003 to 2005) and the Cleveland Browns (2006 to 2008) before finishing up his playing career with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts in 2010. He headed back to the NFL in 2011, as a pro scout for the Panthers. Dorsey then became the team's quarterbacks coach beginning in 2013. After the 2017 campaign, and a one-year stint as the assistant athletic director at Florida International University, Dorsey was hired as the quarterbacks coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He'd also go on to work as Buffalo's passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator. The 2024 season saw Dorsey serve as the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator. Panthers reportedly hire Bills trainer credited with saving Damar Hamlin's life NFL insider suggests Panthers could extend WR Adam Thielen Sean McDermott reportedly bashed Cam Newton in staff meetings This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Report: Former Panthers QB coach nearing deal to join Cowboys
USA Today
10-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Former Panthers QB coach nearing deal to join Cowboys
A former Carolina Panthers coach seems to be on his way to 'Jerry World.' Advertisement According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the Dallas Cowboys are working towards a deal to hire ex-Panthers quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey. Per Garafolo, Dorsey's exact role on the Cowboys's staff has yet to be finalized. Dorsey, a seventh-round pick out of the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2003, played quarterback for six seasons in the NFL. He split his time between the San Francisco 49ers (2003 to 2005) and the Cleveland Browns (2006 to 2008) before finishing up his playing career with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts in 2010. He headed back to the NFL in 2011, as a pro scout for the Panthers. Dorsey then became the team's quarterbacks coach beginning in 2013. After the 2017 campaign, and a one-year stint as the assistant athletic director at Florida International University, Dorsey was hired as the quarterbacks coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He'd also go on to work as Buffalo's passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator. The 2024 season saw Dorsey serve as the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator.
