Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills tied to $67 million Carolina Panthers linebacker (Image via Getty: Buffalo Bills logo and Carolina Panthers logo) Sometimes, a change of scenery does wonders for a linebacker. That’s exactly what transpired in longtime Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson’s universe. After spending a decade with his parent franchise, he signed with a new team in June 2025. This move brought out the best in him: 56 total tackles [33 solo], 1.0 sack, two passes defended, and one forced fumble over 12 games.Thompson signed a one-year contract with the Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills last year, but the contract’s over now. Free agency has begun. Will he return to Buffalo, now led by Joe Brady instead of Sean McDermott? He has been loud and clear about his desire to play for them in 2026, but are the Bills choosing to ignore him?Analysts note that Buffalo has filled almost every position in free agency, except for inside linebacker. Do they want Thompson to reclaim his throne? Let’s find out what’s brewing in Buffalo.
NFL Trade Rumors: Josh Allen’s Bills linked to Panthers LB Shaq Thompson
FanSided’s Brandon Ray reports that Buffalo brought in Bradley Chubb to fill outside linebacker’s vacant space. However, as they transition to 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, they may still need reinforcements at inside linebacker. That is where Panthers LB comes into play.He recently made his stance on returning to the Bills crystal clear on X. A March 14 post read: “[Shaq Thompson] Hey Shaq, let’s run it back in Buffalo! Have they been in contact?” The 31-year-old linebacker replied on March 28, stating, “Trying to.”
Buffalo lacks depth beyond Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams
The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia reports that projected starters Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams both have question marks surrounding their status. Bernard had injuries and struggled in 2025. While Williams, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract, was never given a full-time starter role. He has yet to prove himself.The Bills currently lack depth at inside linebacker: Joe Andreessen mostly played on special teams, and beyond him, there are two 2025 practice squad members: Keonta Jenkins and Jimmy Ciarlo. Thompson could bring veteran stability this unit desperately needs.The former Carolina standout recorded 752 total tackles [470 solo], 12.0 sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 123 games over 10 seasons. His career-high came in 2022 when he amassed 135 total tackles and 0.5 sacks. After two down years [broken fibula in 2023 and season-ending Achilles tear in 2024], he found solace and career resurgence in Buffalo.
Bills’ 2026 free agents are Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson
Sports Illustrated’s Alex Brasky reports Buffalo needs to add a linebacker or two because it may lose free agents Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson this offseason. It’s been weeks into free agency, and neither of them has been re-signed or acquired by any other team.With the lack of depth Buffalo has at LB, they may resort to drafting early-round linebackers. If they do, then they may need a valuable veteran presence to guide rookies. That’s where Thompson comes again.The veteran also shares history with new head coach Joe Brady. Brady was Carolina’s offensive coordinator for two seasons: 2020 and 2021. Anyhow, Thompson’s re-signing hasn’t happened till now. Something may be brewing between the two parties. As per Syracuse’s Ryan Talbot, two things are causing trouble for this reunion: Thompson’s role and his asking price.
Carolina linebacker wants pay hike in 2026
The Washington alum wants a starting role in 2026. Buffalo’s defense may look different now that Jim Leonhard is the DC. But Thompson has experience playing in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense. This experience may help him thrive, but the team may not be able to offer the starting role.He may be expecting a pay hike after playing on a $1.255M deal in 2025. After a solid performance in 2025, he may have earned a pay raise. But the Bills’ cap size is limited. So, they may wait on signing him or any other veteran until after the 2026 NFL Draft.According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, the 2015 first-round pick is projected to sign a one-year, $2.39M contract, giving him a $2.4M average annual income. His total career earnings over 11 years are $67M. The Bills have a $12M cap space. Would they sign him again? Only time will tell…