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Carolina Picks Up Former NC State All-American Ikem Ekwonu’s 5th-Year Option

The Carolina Panthers have picked up the 5th-year option for former NC State All-American Left Tackle Ikem Ekwonu.

The Panthers drafted Ekwonu with the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, signing him to a 4-year contract worth $27,568,052, with a 5th-year option.

Next season will be the final year of Ickey’s 4-year rookie contract, earning $8,771,652. In 2026, his salary will more than double, earning $17,560.

Ekwonu was a starter from Day 1 for Carolina, starting in all 49 games he’s played in.

Each season, Ickey has improved his PFF grade.

2022 – 65.