Two Thursdays ago, the Carolina Panthers got their guy. And today, they’re signing him.
As announced by the team on Tuesday night, offensive tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu has agreed to terms on his first NFL contract. The deal, of course, is a standard one for a first-round draft pick—which spans over the next four seasons with a fifth-year option.
The Panthers selected Ekwonu with the sixth overall pick on April 29. The North Carolina State University product, in what turned out to be a dream scenario for general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule, was the first offensive player taken off the board from the 2022 class.
Although not yet solidified for sure, Ekwonu is expected to overtake the all-important starting duties at left tackle. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder was the (rather large) cherry on top of an overhaul along the offensive line which also included free-agent signings Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman.
Ickey joins sixth-rounder Amaré Barno and Cade Mays and seventh-rounder Kalon Barnes amongst Panthers rookies who have made their professional leaps official.
