Taylor Moton's future beyond the current campaign was the subject of fierce debate among the Carolina Panthers' fan base this offseason. Not for the first time during his tenure, general manager Dan Morgan got this sorted way ahead of time.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, which was confirmed soon after by the team, the Panthers agreed to a lucrative two-year extension with Moton. This extension is worth $44 million, with $40 million of it guaranteed. More importantly, it keeps one of Carolina's franchise cornerstones around until the 2028 offseason.
This is a tremendous piece of business by the Panthers. There aren't many more players who've become more durable or consistent than Moton throughout his playing career. He's been a model professional as all around him crumbled along the offensive line. His emerging leadership was another overlooked part of his influence that deserves recognition.
Carolina Panthers picked up an easy win with Taylor Moton's extension
Moton missed games for the first time last season. Reports suggested that the Panthers were going to adopt a wait-and-see approach. If everything checked out with his knee, then those in power would be only too happy to give the second-round pick another contract.
As it turned out, it happened a lot sooner. And there will be nobody happier than Moton if his emotional plea to remain with the squad at training camp was any indication.
Morgan and Brandt Tilis aren't in the business of running the football operation with sentiment. The fact that Moton becomes the latest high-profile player to receive a new deal way before time is a testament to the esteem in which is is held by everyone in the building. And it's another smart move that received universal approval among the fan base.
This follows on from the likes of Derrick Brown, Chuba Hubbard, and Jaycee Horn getting their deserved rewards for outstanding dedication to the club and their craft. Moton is as dependable as they come. Now, he could potentially get the chance to finish his career in Carolina if the trajectory keeps pointing up.
Moton deserves his cash. Ikem Ekwonu is next in line, which is only going to raise the financial commitment to Carolina's protection. Morgan is fixated on making sure the trenches are secure long-term. Extending the Western Michigan product goes a long way to achieving this objective.
This is great news. It's a morale boost everyone needed after a lackluster preseason. And there is nobody more deserving than Moton.