CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers were about to head into the regular season with contract questions hovering around their starting offensive tackles. Now, one of those questions has been answered.

The Panthers, on Friday, agreed to terms on a two-year extension with right tackle Taylor Moton, a mainstay on their offensive line who’s started nearly every game since 2018.

The deal is for two years and $44 million, with $40 million guaranteed, according to league sources with knowledge of the contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the agreement.

Moton was set to make $17.5 million in the final year of his current deal. The 31-year-old is now under contract through 2027.

The Panthers have also had discussions with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu about an extension. The two sides talked during the offseason before the Panthers picked up Ekwonu’s fifth-year option for 2026, worth a guaranteed $17.6 million.

Why the Panthers extended Moton

Moton has been the model of consistency since the Panthers selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played all 16 games as a rookie as an extra blocker in short-yardage situations and member of the PAT/field goal team, then became a starter his second year. Moton started a franchise-record 104 consecutive games before a triceps injury ended his iron man streak last October.

And while Moton has never gone to a Pro Bowl, he’s been dependable both as a run blocker and in pass protection. He ranked among Pro Football Focus’ top 20 tackles in 2024, when he allowed one sack in 538 pass block snaps.

What Moton means to the Panthers – and vice versa

Moton isn’t one of the Panthers’ more vocal players. But he became emotional last month talking about his future.

“I know we haven’t won. But the city, being a Panther, means a lot to me,” he said. “Obviously I want the years to continue. But if it’s my last year here, I want to be my best year.”

Since Dan Morgan and Dave Canales were hired in 2024, they’ve extended guys who are both high-level players and care about the culture and the organization. Moton is both. Morgan’s rebuild of the offensive line was a big reason for Bryce Young’s success later in his second season. With Moton locked up a couple more years, the Panthers’ decision-makers now can turn their attention to Ekwonu.

(Photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)