Shaq Thompson’s tenure in Carolina was defined by his unwavering leadership and durability—until recently. Drafted in the first round in 2015, Thompson quickly became a key piece of a defense led by legends like Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.

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 is an unrestricted free agent, that they will not be re-signing him.