Linebacker Shaq Thompson officially signed with the Buffalo Bills, leaving behind a decade-long tenure with the Carolina Panthers. In a press conference, Thompson humorously reflected on his release from Carolina and his connection with Bills' leadership, including Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, who he has known since being drafted in 2015. This transition marks Thompson as part of the notable 'Carolina-to-Buffalo pipeline,' following a series of former Panthers who have joined the Bills, including Mike Tolbert and Josh Norman.

As Thompson prepares to embrace a new chapter in Buffalo, he acknowledges the unique camaraderie that exists among the players who have made this journey. He expressed excitement about adapting to a new culture while still being rooted in the relationships he built in Carolina. This move highlights the evolving dynamics of NFL teams and the impact of past alliances on player transitions.