Carolina makes unique decision for the future of the offense
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
Advertisement
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.
Related: Panthers take steps forward with a solid 2025 NFL Draft
A Local Star with Long-Term Vision
Advertisement
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.
Related: Dan Morgan on David Tepper: 'Not the villain you think he is'
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?
Related: Steve Smith Sr. alleged cheating scandal takes a shocking turn over "Homewrecker" law
Related: Steve Smith Sr. shades Panthers draft pick again
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Which NHL playoff assist was better: Barkov vs. Carolina or McDavid vs. Florida?
FORT LAUDERDALE — Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Florida's Aleksander Barkov are two of the best players in the NHL. While McDavid is roundly praised as the best player in the world, Barkov is not far behind. Advertisement So it should not be a surprise McDavid and Barkov have two of the more astonishing assists of the postseason, both drawing disbelief from not just the hockey world but even teammates. While both will be on highlight reels for a very long time, we want to know which one you think was better. Aleksander Barkov sets up Carter Verhaeghe game winner in Game 5 at Carolina The Panthers were one win away from their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. Facing Carolina in the road in Game 5, the score was tied with less than eight minutes remaining. Barkov was fighting for the puck with Dmitry Orlov behind and to the right of Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen. Barkov gained control of the puck and held off Orlov with one arm before turning as if he were going to pass the puck to Verhaeghe, who was behind the net on the opposite side. Advertisement But Barkov then made a move on Hurricanes forward Eric Robinson at the side of the net and instead slid the puck across the crease to Verhaeghe, who had a wide open net to give the Panthers the lead. Verhaeghe was still mostly behind goal line when Barkov made the pass. 'Barky is so strong on the puck and (Sam Reinhart) made a good play at the blue line to get the puck to Barky there, and I kind of let him do his thing,' Verhaeghe said. 'He took on one guy and then two guys and then gave the puck to me with a pretty open net. An unbelievable play by Barky at a critical time.' The goal gave the Panthers a 4-3 lead and they went on to a 5-3 win and a third straight Prince of Wales Trophy. Connor McDavid a magician setting up Leon Draisaitl goal in Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final McDavid was being compared to an illustionist when replays of his assist on Leon Draisaitl's power play goal in the first period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers. Advertisement The play, though, is what everyone has become used to from the man who has led the NHL in assists four times in his career. First, McDavid faked out Barkov, the best defensive forward in the game and three time winner of the Selke Trophy, with a move akin to a crossover dribble in basketball. Then, with Aaron Eckblad attempting to poke check the puck, McDavid drew the puck back behind his body and Eckblad's stick before sending it to Draisaitl, who had a wide open net to the left of Panther's goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Leon Draisaitl #29 celebrates with Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers during the first period against the Florida Panthers in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers' Evan Bouchard was so amazed with the play he put his left hand on top of his helmet as to say "I do not believe what I just saw" as he skated toward McDavid and Draisaitl. Advertisement The goal ended the scoring in a wild first period, giving gave the Oilers a 3-2 lead. Florida went on to win, 5-4, on a Brad Marchand goal in the second overtime, tying the series at one game each. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Connor McDavid, Aleksander Barkov's playoff assists compared
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Oilers vs. Panthers: Stanley Cup Final Game 3 odds, picks, prediction
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers may be just two games old, but it has already delivered on the hype. Game 1 was extraordinary, with the teams exchanging early leads before the Oilers stormed back from 3-1 down to win, 4-3, thanks to a Leon Draisaitl game-winning goal in overtime. Not to be outdone, Game 2 featured five goals in the first period and a last-gasp game-tying goal from 40-year-old Corey Perry, but it was for naught as hockey's best heel, Brad Marchand, scored on a breakaway in double-overtime to send the series to Florida tied, 1-1. Oilers vs. Panthers Game 3 betting preview After earning the split in Edmonton, the Panthers are now priced as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, though the odds are extremely tight. Florida is -118 at FanDuel Sportsbook, which is essentially where the Oilers were ahead of Game 1. In other words, the series started as a coin flip, and it remains one after two games. And it's not just the odds that are tight; the tale of the tape through nearly nine periods shows us that there's really nothing that separates these two heavyweights. The Oilers and Panthers have split 16 goals evenly through two games, though the Cats have outscored the Oil, 5-4, at 5-on-5. Both teams have a pair of power-play goals, but Florida also added a short-handed goal in Game 2. Things only get tighter from there, as the two teams are separated by 0.01 expected goals (xG) at 5-on-5, per Natural Stat Trick. Florida has created 7.03 xG at full strength, while Edmonton has generated 7.02. Getting any separation in this series will be tough, as both teams have proven to be unflappable in big moments. Nate Schmidt gloves a puck in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. AP Betting on the NHL? Considering how tight things have been through the first two contests, it is a bit surprising to see Florida getting some love from the bookies for Game 3. Edmonton closed as a -125 favorite in Game 1, and Game 2 was a pick'em, but the Panthers are sitting at -140 for Game 3. Ignoring Game 2 because the series scoreline impacted the market for that game (bettors tend to back the team down 1-0 in a best-of-7 when it's supposed to be close), we're seeing a 65-cent shift from Game 1 to Game 3. Oilers vs. Panthers Game 3 pick That seems like a bit much, and puts value on the Oilers on the moneyline on Monday night. And while I will be backing Edmonton, that isn't my favorite bet on the board. Jake Walman has one goal so far in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHLI via Getty Images Jake Walman has been superb for the Oilers for the entire playoffs, but he's got more to give offensively. The smooth-skating defenseman doesn't log a ton of minutes, but he's making the most of his ice-time with 31 shots this postseason, including seven through the first two games of this series. It was Walman's shot that rebounded to Perry for his tying goal with less than 20 seconds left in the game. Kris Knoblauch is not afraid to send Walman over the boards in big moments, when the Oilers need a goal, and I think he's great value to find the back of the net in Game 3. Walman is 15/1 to score a goal on Monday night, and he's a whopping 85/1 to be the first goalscorer. THE PLAY: Oilers (+126, Caesars Sportsbook) | Jake Walman to score a goal (15/1, BetMGM) Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Should The Canadiens Enter The Nikolaj Ehlers Derby?
No Discipline, No Problem: Sam Bennett's Playoff Edge Gets Results For The Panthers In the history of the NHL, there have always been players who push the envelope with their physical style of play. Players have understood that there's a line in the sand in terms of over-the-top play, but it's hardly a firm red line – more like a dotted line that moves from situation to situation. And in every Stanley Cup playoff tournament, those envelope-pushing players take it to a new level and don't stop testing the line until the league punishes them sufficiently. 2:53 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
