Latest news with #Ekwonu
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
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
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers to exercise LT Ikem Ekwonu's 5th-year option
Panthers to exercise LT Ikem Ekwonu's 5th-year option The Carolina Panthers closed up their 2025 NFL draft by dropping some news on one of their picks from the 2022 NFL draft. After making their final selection in the sixth round of Saturday's proceedings, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan announced that the team plans on exercising the fifth-year option on starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Ekwonu was Carolina's first-round pick, and sixth overall, from 2022. "We are gonna pick up Ickey's fifth-year option, just to kinda get that out of the way," Morgan stated. "I just notified him and figured I'd get it out of the way before I talk to you guys." Ekwonu has started each of his 49 career games on Carolina's blindside. 2024 marked the 24-year-old's best pro campaign, at least according to Pro Football Focus—as he earned career-highs in overall offensive grade (71.7) and run-blocking grade (80.5) while posting a 95.9-percent efficiency rate in pass protection. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers taking their time deciding on LT Ikem Ekwonu's 5th-year option
Panthers taking their time deciding on LT Ikem Ekwonu's 5th-year option The Carolina Panthers aren't in a hurry to make the obvious decision on starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. May 2 will be the final day where teams can officially exercise the fifth-year options on their 2022 first-rounds picks. And when it comes to Ekwonu's future, the Panthers feel like they don't have to get that paperwork in right away. "We're just taking our time with that," president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan said on Tuesday. "There's no rush. We still have, I think it's May 2nd. So we're not rushing that. We're taking our time, and we'll have a plan in place." Carolina selected Ekwonu, a Matthews, N.C. native and North Carolina State University standout, with the sixth overall pick in 2022. In the three seasons since, he's started each of his 49 games for the team on their blindside. 2024 marked Ekwonu's best pro campaign, at least according to Pro Football Focus. The 24-year-old earned career-highs in his overall offensive grade (71.7) and his run-blocking grade (80.5) while posting a 95.9-percent efficiency rate in pass protection. Given Ekwonu's performance and the value of the left tackle position, the Panthers should be expected to trigger that fifth-year option in the coming weeks. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
