Waived by the Buccaneers after allegations of domestic violence surfaced, Deven Thompkins later received word he would not be suspended under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This will lead to another chance for the young wide receiver.
The Panthers added Thompkins on Thursday, reuniting him with former Bucs OC Dave Canales. Thompkins has largely operated as a backup and return specialist. With the Panthers having made some notable receiver investments over the past two years, it would appear Thompkins will compete for such a role in Carolina as well.
The Bucs waived Thompkins, 24, with an injury designation in June, doing so days after his estranged wife alleged domestic abuse. Thompkins’ wife, Maria Castilhos, accused the wide receiver of physical abuse dating back to February 14, 2023. Thompkins filed for divorce on Feb. 27.
In the wake of Castilhos’ accusations, he recently filed a lawsuit against her for defamation and tortious interference with his NFL contract. As part of that claim, Thompkins alleges that Castilhos threatened him “with fabricated allegations of domestic violence unless he met her financial demands for additional alimony” in the divorce proceeding.
An NFL meeting led to assurances the 5-foot-8, 155-pound wideout would not receive a suspension. Barely a week after that ruling, the former UDFA will receive another shot. This comes at an interesting point, as an offseason rule change is set to revive the kickoff return. Thompkins served as Tampa Bay’s primary kick returner in 2022 and ’23; he was also the Bucs’ lead punt returner last season.
Raheem Blackshear and Laviska Shenault Jr. served as Carolina’s kick returners last season. Shenault is now with the Seahawks, while Blackshear remains on the Panthers’ roster. As a receiver, Thompkins caught 17 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown last season.
