Who is Deven Thompkins and what can he do?
Following the Back Together Saturday installment of training camp, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales was asked about one of his team’s newest additions. And Canales, who spent the 2023 season as Thompkins’ offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, called the 24-year-old a “good energy guy.”
“I’m excited to get him in here,” he said. “He’s another kick returner as well. He’s got some explosive elements to his play—so, really fun. Brings a different style of guy. We got a really big, strong group. But it’s also good to have those change-of-pace guys that can attack the defense a different way.”
The 5-foot-8, 155-pounder didn’t attack defenses too badly with the Buccaneers this past season, as he amassed 83 yards and one touchdown on 17 receptions. He did, however, prove his worth on special teams—serving as Tampa’s primary kick and punt returner.
But Thompkins doesn’t come without some questions, as he was accused of domestic violence by his estranged wife Maria Castillos back in May. Thompkins, who would be waived by the Buccaneers later that month, then denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Castillos.
Canales spoke on what he could about the team’s decision of adding Thompkins following the accusations.
“We had to be patient,” Canales said. “We had to wait for the league to process it before they can give us a green light on it.”
The NFL, in a statement via spokesman Brian McCarthy on July 15, announced that they did not find “sufficient evidence” to hold Thompkins accountable for violating the Personal Conduct Policy.
Update (12:39 a.m. ET):
Panthers spokesperson confirms the team did conduct an investigation into Deven Thompkins’ DV allegations. As did the NFL, which did not find enough evidence to act under the league personal conduct policy.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 27, 2024
