On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced that they agreed to terms with rookie offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Carolina drafted Ekwonu with the sixth pick of the 2022 NFL draft. Ekwonu has inked a four-year deal with the Panthers, worth $27.56 million with a signing bonus of $17.22 million.
At just 21 years old, Ekwonu previously played college ball for the North Carolina State Wolfpack and started 31 games over three seasons. Ekwonu earned a reputation as a versatile offensive lineman with killer footwork and a nasty demeanour.
According to Pro Football Focus, in 2021, Ekwonu allowed just three sacks on 476 pass protection snaps. Ekwonu’s outstanding play for the Wolfpack earned the offensive lineman first-team All-ACC honours.
Who Ekwonu will be protecting in Carolina remains a question. The team has expressed interest in moving on from quarterback Sam Darnold, though they have yet to deal for his successor under centre.