Friday Mailbag: Is it time for the Carolina Panthers to sign Ickey Ekwonu to a long-term extension?

The Carolina Panthers recently opted to exercise the fifth-year option in former first-round LT Ickey Ekwonu's contract. This option will keep Ekwonu around until at least the 2026 season, and it signifies that Carolina has finally found its franchise left tackle. Recently, former first-round tackles Christian Darrisaw and Andrew Thomas have received their fifth-year options and contract extensions in the same offseason. Will Carolina choose to do the same with Ekwonu or wait until the following offseason as they did with Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn?

The Panthers surprised many on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan with the 8th overall pick. McMillan now joins a wide receiver room lacking a clear-cut No. 1 option. Last season, Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers all had varying degrees of success as top 10 picks during their rookie seasons. Based on their performances, what are reasonable expectations for McMillan during his debut season in Carolina?

The Panthers waited until the fourth round to address their need at safety by selecting Ohio State's Lathan Ransom. Since then, there have been questions about how Ransom fits with free agent signing Trevon Moehrig. Is it possible that the two fit together better than what people originally thought?

Julian Council answers these listener questions in this week's edition of the Weekly Friday Mailbag.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Upwork

Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!

Skylight Calendar

Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to Skylightcal.com/NFL.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k

Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNFL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.