Ikem Ekwonu will remain with the Panthers for at least the next two seasons given the team’s recent decision on his fifth-year option. If Carolina’s left tackle starter has his way, though, he will stay in place beyond 2026. 
Ekwonu took on starting duties as a rookie and he has manned the blindside for each of his three years in the league. He will finish his rookie pact in 2025, and the Panthers’ decision to pick up his option has him in line to receive $17.65MM the following year. A long-term pact could be in place by that point, something the 24-year-old would welcome.
“I have no timeline, honestly,” Ekwonu said of a potential extension (via the team’s website). “I’ll let my agent and [general manager] Dan [Morgan] and everybody kind of figure that out for themselves. “But I mean, obviously, all parties know, all parties involved know I want to be here in Carolina long term. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
Pass protection has been a sore spot for Ekwonu, and continued development in that regard will be key if he is to become a long-term mainstay up front. The NC State product’s run blocking has proven to be a strength as expected, however. A commitment beyond the intermediate term was mentioned by Morgan as something on the Panthers’ radar when the option decision was announced, so it will be interesting to see when extension negotiations take place.
Carolina has longtime right tackle Taylor Moton in place for 2025, the final year of his contract. The team’s center spot is also uncertain beyond the coming campaign with Austin Corbett being re-signed this spring and Cade Mays inking his RFA tender. At guard, by contrast, the Panthers’ plans are clear with 2024 free agent additions Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis still in the fold.
A total of 15 offensive tackles are currently attached to a deal averaging at least $20MM per year. Ekwonu has not done enough to warrant a commitment near the top of the market so far, and it would come as no surprise if the Panthers waited before engaging in contract talks. Considering a mutual interest exists on the extension front, though, this situation will be worth watching.