After a disappointing season in 2024, the Dallas Cowboys are poised to strike in free agency in 2025. While Micah Parsons’s contract remains the top priority, Jerry Jones needs to find a way to build around him, which means he’ll be searching for free agent bargains this spring.
The process didn’t work well at linebacker when Mike Zimmer brought in Eric Kendricks and Nick Vigil last season. But with both players entering free agency, it might be a good time for a change and a new target may have become available on Monday morning.
Cowboys Should Target Shaq Thompson After He Parted Ways With Panthers
Shaq Thompson became available after the Carolina Panthers announced they would part ways after 10 seasons with the organization. A first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Thompson spent his entire career with the Panthers and racked up 100 tackles in four straight seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Shaq Thompson to enter free agency
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 24, 2025
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Thompson has a solid track record of production but his injury history could devalue him on the market. Thompson was limited to two games due to a broken ankle during the 2023 season and tore his Achilles tendon four games into the season in 2024. While Thompson previously stated he wanted to finish his career in Carolina, his injury history and age – he’ll turn 31 before next season – made the Panthers’ decision for them.
Most teams won’t look to Thompson as a starting option but the Cowboys are one team that can offer one on the open market. While things will change under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Thompson could become a solid tag team partner with DeMarvion Overshown to revitalize the Cowboys defense.
Even if the Cowboys are more interested in Thompson as a bargain option, that can be arranged. Spotrac estimates that Thompson will only cost just over $1 million on the open market and Dallas could still pair him with a rookie in the upcoming draft.
If Thompson signs for cheap and doesn’t pan out, the Cowboys would only be out a couple million dollars. If he finds his form, the Cowboys could find a starter that could help them get back into contention in 2025.