The Carolina Panthers haven't had left tackle Ikem Ekwonu on the field since the wild-card playoff round against the Los Angeles Rams as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon. However, other events along the offensive line have made him more valuable than ever.
Prolific right tackle Taylor Moton fractured his fibula and suffered an ankle problem in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That will likely rule him out for the entire season, which is a devastating blow in only his second game back from blood clots.
And the man who unwillingly caused it remains a complete liability on the blindside in Ekwonu's absence.
Carolina Panthers need Ikem Ekwonu's presence more than ever
The Panthers thought they'd got a steal in free agency with Rasheed Walker. He signed a team-friendly deal after his market wasn't as hot as anticipated. Based on his overall efforts over the first six games, it's not hard to see why.
Walker lacks the agility and power to man the edge effectively. He was nothing short of abysmal against the Buccaneers, giving up three sacks and six pressures throughout the one-sided affair at Bank of America Stadium, according to Next Gen Stats.
If that wasn't bad enough, the Penn State product got bull-rushed, fell down, and landed on Moton's leg.
Concerns were immediate, and early indications show it's bad. These things happen, but Walker's frailties will probably ensure his stay in Carolina is short.
Now, Ekwonu isn't a sure thing either.
But the Panthers need to keep him around beyond 2026.
Carolina Panthers cannot let Ikem Ekwonu walk in free agency
There's no telling when Moton will be ready to return. And given the business side of things on his contract, his time with the franchise might be done.
Walker will likely be gone after the season. With first-round rookie Monroe Freeling at right tackle, Ekwonu could man the blindside if there is no drop-off following a lengthy absence.
Ekwonu lost a ton of money when he got hurt. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft was in line for a bumper extension before things took a concerning turn. While that might not be feasible, the Panthers should make him a decent enough offer to stick around if they are suitably satisfied with his recovery.
Head coach Dave Canales revealed that Ekwonu was still some way off from getting the all-clear to resume football activities. He was projected to miss most, if not all, of the campaign. There is urgency to get him back quickly, but not at the expense of his long-term outlook.
But the Panthers can't let him walk.
That's not up for discussion right now.
Walker is not good enough to be considered anything more than a band-aid fix. With Moton out until further notice, Freeling's long-term home may have to be on the right-hand side. And if Ekwonu can return to his old self, he'll go into his preferred role.
The Panthers don't have enough salary-cap space for a big free agent signing, and they spent last year's first-rounder on an offensive tackle.
Keeping Ekwonu is crucial. And the sooner he gets back, the better Carolina's chances will be.
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