5 NFL players who will improve under a new regime in 2020

From Ron Rivera’s new team we now head to his previous team and look in on the Carolina Panthers. Matt Rhule’s addition will likely change the way the team looks on the field as their entire strategy could be different. They’re also going to be vastly different in terms of personnel as the Panthers released Cam Newton and replaced him with Teddy Bridgewater.

They also lost linebacker Luke Kuechly, who retired in the offseason. Kuechly’s departure opens the door for Shaq Thompson to become the face of the defense and the new coach will lean heavily on him as they look to navigate this huge change.

Thompson is entering the sixth year of his career and isn’t far removed from signing his four-year $54.2 million extension — which he earned in December of 2019. Thompson was a first-round pick in 2015 after being a versatile weapon for the Washington Huskies.

At the collegiate level, he played linebacker, safety, slot corner, and even running back. For Carolina, he’s been listed as a linebacker but has also served as a hybrid safety/linebacker in their defense.

Coming off his first triple-digit tackle campaign, Thompson will likely stay at linebacker for Rhule and his defense. Being able to focus on one job will be huge for him and can help him become an even more effective defender.