The Carolina Panthers selected Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu with the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. That first round selection afforded the team the right to exercise a fifth-year in Ekwonu’s rookie contract.
Dan Morgan says they're picking up Ikem Ekwonu's fifth-year option.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) April 26, 2025
This option fully guarantees Ickey’s 2024 and 2025 base salaries. Due to his extended playing time, but lack of Pro Bowl selections, his 2025 salary will be the average of the third to 20th highest salaries of all offensive linemen.