The Carolina Panthers didn't take the conservative approach in free agency this offseason. Carolina paid the likes of Tershawn Wharton (three years, $54 million), Tre'von Moehrig (three years, $51 million), Pat Jones II (two years, $20 million), and Bobby Brown III (three years, $21 million) in free agency.
They also extended Jaycee Horn on a four-year, $100 million extension that included $70 million guaranteed.
The NFL Draft is the next thing on the to-do list but the Panthers also have a big decision to make about LT Ikem Ekwonu. Carolina has until May 1st to decide if they want to pick up his fifth-year option.
He was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to become the Panthers' franchise left tackle. With each passing season, Ekwonu looked more comfortable along the offensive line. The NC State product is an athletic and powerful mover in the run game.
He still needs more seasoning as a pass protector but the sky is the limit for Ekwonu. Over the past two seasons, he's finished as a Top 15 run blocker in the league according to PFF. In 2024, he posted a 67.4 overall grade (49th among 137 graded tackles), 62.3 pass-blocking grade (76th among 137 graded tackles), and 77 run-blocking grade (15th among 137 graded tackles).
His ability to dominate the game as a run blocker isn't something that can be overlooked. The Panthers should pick up his fifth-year option with no hesitation and have him locked in for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Finding a left tackle with the traits that Ekwonu possesses isn't easy to find. The Panthers have Bryce Young under center so having a stout left tackle isn't anything to play with.
Carolina is looking to patch up holes elsewhere so it doesn't make sense to create another problem area. GM Dan Morgan would be wise to pick up Ekwonu's fifth-year option and focus on fine-tuning the rest of the roster.