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When your franchise left tackle is both a hometown hero and one of the league’s best run blockers, you don’t let him walk. That’s the message the Carolina Panthers sent loud and clear with their decision to pick up Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu’s fifth-year option—securing their 2022 first-round pick through the 2026 season.
It’s a move that’s more than just a formality. The Panthers are laying bricks toward something bigger.
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs around offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Rewarding Performance and Potential
After a rocky sophomore season, Ekwonu responded in 2024 with his best campaign yet. He earned a 71.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, while slashing his sacks allowed from 11 to 7. Even more impressive—his 80.5 run-blocking grade ranked 11th out of 140 tackles. That dominance helped Carolina’s ground game flourish, with Chuba Hubbard posting a career-high 1,195 rushing yards.
Dan Morgan, in his first offseason as GM, is sticking to his philosophy: build from within. “We want to reward the guys that we draft,” Morgan said. Ekwonu is now the third first-round pick extended or optioned under Morgan, joining Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown.
A Local Star with Long-Term Vision
The Charlotte native isn’t just blocking defenders—he’s building roots. “I want to be here,” Ekwonu said. “I want to be part of the glory days in Carolina, and I feel like we’re right there on the precipice of it.” There’s no hard deadline for a long-term deal, but all signals point to negotiations coming soon. Ekwonu’s leadership, consistency, and local ties make him a foundational piece as the Panthers look to climb back into playoff contention.
The offensive line is finally starting to stabilize, with Ekwonu and veteran Taylor Moton bookending a revamped interior. Continuity breeds chemistry—and winning.
Panthers fans, if you believe in building from the trenches, now’s the time to get behind Ickey. He’s betting on Carolina. The question is—are you?
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It’s a move that’s more than just a formality. The Panthers are laying bricks toward something bigger.
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Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs around offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Rewarding Performance and Potential
After a rocky sophomore season, Ekwonu responded in 2024 with his best campaign yet. He earned a 71.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, while slashing his sacks allowed from 11 to 7. Even more impressive—his 80.5 run-blocking grade ranked 11th out of 140 tackles. That dominance helped Carolina’s ground game flourish, with Chuba Hubbard posting a career-high 1,195 rushing yards.
Dan Morgan, in his first offseason as GM, is sticking to his philosophy: build from within. “We want to reward the guys that we draft,” Morgan said. Ekwonu is now the third first-round pick extended or optioned under Morgan, joining Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown.
A Local Star with Long-Term Vision
The Charlotte native isn’t just blocking defenders—he’s building roots. “I want to be here,” Ekwonu said. “I want to be part of the glory days in Carolina, and I feel like we’re right there on the precipice of it.” There’s no hard deadline for a long-term deal, but all signals point to negotiations coming soon. Ekwonu’s leadership, consistency, and local ties make him a foundational piece as the Panthers look to climb back into playoff contention.
The offensive line is finally starting to stabilize, with Ekwonu and veteran Taylor Moton bookending a revamped interior. Continuity breeds chemistry—and winning.
Panthers fans, if you believe in building from the trenches, now’s the time to get behind Ickey. He’s betting on Carolina. The question is—are you?
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Related: Steve Smith Sr. shades Panthers draft pick again
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