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Panthers GM Dan Morgan forecasts important position battle for 2026
TL;DR
Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan highlights a crucial left tackle position battle for 2026, following Ickey Ekwonu's injury. The team signed Rasheed Walker and drafted Monroe Freeling to compete for the starting role.
Key points
- Ickey Ekwonu injured with a torn patellar tendon
- Panthers signed Rasheed Walker as a potential replacement
- Monroe Freeling was drafted to compete for the left tackle spot
- Position battle expected during summer training
- Ekwonu's absence impacts the team's offensive line
Carolina PanthersIckey EkwonuRasheed WalkerMonroe Freeling
One of the biggest question marks hanging over the Carolina Panthers is at left tackle.
Their usual starter Ickey Ekwonu had his fifth-year option picked up last year. However, he went on to sustain a torn patellar tendon in January's playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and is expected to miss at least some of the 2026 season.
To patch up the hole, the Panthers brought in a couple of potential replacements this spring. In free agency, they signed former Green Bay Packers starter Rasheed Walker. Then, they used their first-round draft pick on Georgia's tackle Monroe Freelingâwho says he's determined to start as a rookie.
Who will it be? Apparently, it will come down to an old-fashioned summer position battle.
Here's what general manager Dan Morgan told NFL Network about it earlier this week:
Q&A
What happened to Ickey Ekwonu and how will it affect the Panthers?
Ickey Ekwonu sustained a torn patellar tendon in January, which is expected to sideline him for part of the 2026 season, creating a vacancy at left tackle.
Who are the potential replacements for Ickey Ekwonu on the Panthers?
The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker and drafted Monroe Freeling to compete for the left tackle position in Ekwonu's absence.
What is the timeline for the left tackle position battle for the Panthers?
The competition for the starting left tackle position will take place during the summer leading up to the 2026 season.
