Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is happy right where he’s been.
This past Saturday, after concluding his work in the 2025 NFL draft, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan announced the team’s intent to exercise the fifth-year option on Ekwonu. The 2022 sixth overall pick, who is entering his fourth pro season, is now locked in with the Panthers through the 2026 campaign.
Ekwonu spoke with reporters on Thursday, his first chat since the option was picked up, and expressed his desire to stay in his hometown on an even longer deal.
“All parties involved know I want to be in Carolina long-term,” he stated about a possible contract extension, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “Hopefully we can get that done.”
The Charlotte, N.C. native, who also said that he believes the team is on the precipice of their “glory days,” has started in each of his 49 career games—all on Carolina’s blindside.
In 2024, he earned career-highs from Pro Football Focus in his overall offensive grade (71.7) and run-blocking grade (80.5) while earning a 95.9-percent efficiency rate in pass protection.
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