Buffalo, NY – July 12, 2025: The Buffalo Bills, laser-focused on a Super Bowl LX run, have made a bold roster move, parting ways with a veteran linebacker just weeks after signing him, sources told ESPN. With training camp on the horizon, the decision underscores a commitment to health and youth for a team chasing its first championship.
The 31-year-old defender, inked to bolster Buffalo’s linebacker depth, fell short due to persistent injury woes. The cut, though tough, aligns with the Bills’ strategy to optimize their $5.3 million cap space, per Spotrac.
Shaq Thompson, signed to a one-year, $1.25 million deal in June, was released due to his injury-riddled recent history, per The Buffalo News. “I gave it my all, but my body hasn’t cooperated,” Thompson said on The Herd. “Buffalo’s family, and I wish them that ring.” The former Panther played only 6 games over the past two seasons (2023-2024), recording 45 tackles and 1 sack in 2024, per Pro Football Reference.
Thompson’s career—128 games, 1,015 tackles, 12 sacks—earned him respect, but a torn Achilles (2023) and ankle issues (2024) limited his impact, yielding a 70.5 PFF grade, per NFL.com. His inability to compete with Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, and Joe Andreessen for a roster spot sealed his fate, per Syracuse.com.
The Bills, powered by Josh Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season and James Cook’s 1,086-yard rushing, are banking on durability, per Bleacher Report. GM Brandon Beane’s signings—Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa—strengthen a defense eyeing Kansas City, per Sporting News. Andreessen’s rise (34 tackles in 2024) and Milano’s return from injury made Thompson expendable, per Democrat and Chronicle.
Speculation swirls about Thompson’s next move. Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports suggests the Baltimore Ravens, an AFC rival, could target him to pair with Roquan Smith, per Web ID: 7. With $30.7 million in cap space, the Ravens need linebacker depth after losing Patrick Queen, per The Athletic.
As Buffalo prepares for their September 8 opener against the Ravens, Thompson’s exit tugs at Bills Mafia’s heartstrings, who admired his grit. Can Beane’s youth movement propel the Bills to Super Bowl glory? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates!
