The Carolina Panthers showed positive flashes during the 2024 season, taking a big step forward on the offensive side of the ball. As a result, they more than doubled their win total from a season ago, finishing 5-12.
Taking the next step, however, will be more difficult for the Panthers. GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have to nail their decisions going forward to help make Carolina a playoff contender.
The jury is still out for some of the free agency decisions by the Panthers. The front office broke the bank for Tre'Von Moehrig and Tershawn Wharton while bringing in Patrick Jones II and Bobby Brown III to bolster the defense.
One big offseason question remains unanswered. The Panthers have a decision to make on Ikem Ekwonu and Dan Morgan seems to have a surprise approach.
Morgan says Panthers just taking their time with the fifth-year option decision on Ikem Ekwonu. "We're not going to rush and we'll have a plan in place."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 15, 2025
Panthers Have Surprise Approach on Ikem Ekwonu's Fifth-Year Option
Every first-round pick in the NFL is eligible for a fifth-year option before their fourth season in the league. The Panthers have until May 2 to pick up that option for former sixth-overall pick Ekwonu. Morgan said that the team is taking its time with that decision, per The Athletic's Joe Person.
Considering the development Ekwonu showed last season, this is rather surprising. Not only does the former NC State standout play a premium position, but he has also improved every single season since being drafted. He has been as reliable as they come, missing only two games in three years, and is coming off a career-best 71.7 offensive grade on Pro Football Focus.
Finding starting-caliber left tackles is a big challenge in the NFL. Teams usually don't let their good offensive tackles hit the open market. The Panthers would be wise to do the same. What Dan Morgan has up his sleeve with the NFL Draft approaching remains to be seen.