Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Another Buffalo Bills-Carolina Panthers connection is set to reunite in Orchard Park this coming season.
The Bills announced on Tuesday the signing of veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson to a one-year contract, just before the start of the team's three-day mandatory minicamp this week.
Thompson had spent the entirety of his 10-year NFL career, to this point, with the Panthers after being drafted 25th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Across his 10 years in Charlotte, the 31-year-old has played 123 games, starting 112 of those contests, amassing 752 total tackles, 12 sacks, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
However, injuries have caught up to Thompson over his last two seasons in Carolina, playing in only six games. This offseason saw Thompson undergo surgery with the hopes of continuing his career.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who served as Thompson's defensive coordinator with the Panthers through 2016, said Tuesday the veteran would be in Buffalo throughout mandatory minicamp, but will not participate as he continues his recovery.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane was also part of Carolina's front office when the team drafted him in 2015. Beane was serving as assistant general manager at the time under then general manager David Gettleman.
With the signing, the Bills now have 91 players on their roster, meaning they have reached their offseason limit.
Under normal circumstances, NFL teams can only have 90 players on the offseason roster, but offensive tackle Travis Clayton counts towards the roster as an international portal player, allowing the Bills to have an extra roster spot.