The Carolina Panthers are exercising the fifth-year option on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the team's first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ekwonu, who was selected sixth overall, has started all 49 games during his career thus far. His performance in 2024 marked a high point, earning him career-best grades from Pro Football Focus, including a 71.7 overall and an impressive 80.5 in run-blocking. With a 95.9% efficiency rate in pass protection, he has solidified his role as a key player for the Panthers moving forward.