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how does something sink when it's already on the bottom of the ocean

Maybe. I am hoping they will get ahead of it with a rookie to develop this year. Money in that OL, just too much to add to it. I thought we’d get stuck for more years and more money too. And don’t think he is on par with Icky. We had Nothing though, so I am just really relieved today.

I think he did a one year deal cause he knows he will start. If he plays well he can get a big contract.

Seth Walder, ESPN https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47911726/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook

Panthers sign OT Rasheed Walker Terms: One year, up to $10 million Grade: A The price of this deal might be the most shocking of free agency thus far. Walker was widely considered the best free agent tackle this year and was expected to receive a large contract. But his market developed very slowly, so he has signed a one-year deal with a maximum value of $10 million -- meaning the base value is below that -- per NFL Network. For context, my free agency contract model projected a deal averaging $21.8 million for Walker. Instead, it's a short-term commitment for less than half that. And the Panthers are the beneficiaries. Carolina entered this offseason with a possible need at left tackle after Ikem Ekwonu suffered a patellar tendon rupture in the playoffs that put his 2026 season in question. It's also the last year of his contract. The Panthers signed Stone Forsythe as an insurance plan already in free agency, but once Walker's market fell it seemed like they felt adding him was well worth it, too. Our win rate metrics consider Walker to be a solid player. Last season in Green Bay, he was in the 85th percentile among tackles in pass block win rate, though only 22nd percentile in run block win rate. He was in the 69th percentile and 48th percentile in those two metrics in 2024, respectively. Given that Dan Moore Jr. received $20.5 million per year from the Titans last year most -- myself included -- thought Walker would walk away with more than that. Perhaps the struggles of Moore (who wasn't great last season) contributed to Walker's market being cooler than expected, a theory that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested. Walker was also arrested two months ago at LaGuardia Airport in New York for allegedly trying to check-in with a firearm that he had a license for in Wisconsin but not New York. Either way, teams felt differently about Walker than most on the outside thought. But he's a heck of an add for the Panthers at this price. While his run-game contributions might be far from perfect, a weak pass protector at tackle can sink a passing game. Even if this is only a one-year arrangement, Walker should be able to help keep Bryce Young upright

Fantastic signing. If he is good, this will make next offseason really interesting. I would imagine that Morgan would try to extend Walker and convince Ikey to move to the right side to replace Moton. This also opens up options at 19 at lot instead of forcing a tackle. I'm not a fan, but I'm definitely more open to Morgen drafting Sadiq now, but there is also Peter Woods, and even some like Dillon Thieneman is now in the mix. Hell, I'm still for another off ball LB.

sure, but Panthers are theoretically in their win now window. Their first rounder needs to be a day one starter

I have been leaning that way. The money and every time I see that huge brace he has to wear I think about why and it doesn’t seem to be temporary.

I agree. But in a world where "what have you done for me lately" is a real thing, front offices and coaching staffs can't spend first round picks on projects. This division is incredibly weak, go get guys who can help you win it now. Kenyon Sadiq is the pick.

I think a lot of players at certain positions would benefit greatly from not starting day one, and they would still be worth a high first round pick.

#Panthers Isaiah Simmons deal; one year, $1.402 million, $187,500 signing bonus, salary $1.215M, salary cap $1.262 million under veteran salary benefit

#Panthers David Moore deal one year, $1.487M, salary cap $1.262 million under veteran salary benefit

I was thinking about d-line. Peter Woods is not only a beast of a man, but also my porn star name. Kayden McDonald might be a better fit as more of a natural NT. DMo has certainly set us up well for the draft.

#Panthers Thomas Incoom deal: one year, $2M, $515K signing bonus, salary $1.145M, total guaranteed $1.1 million

#Panthers deal for Robert Rochell: $1.215 million, salary cap $1.075 million under veteran salary benefit

#Panthers deal for LaBryan Ray: $1.145M

With all these signings addressing most of our needs, the only position I would not like to see in the 1st is a WR. If Makai Lemon happens to fall to 19, that would only hinder Coker's progress.

Icky is a road grader in a way that Walker isn’t. There’s a reason one was a first rounder and one was a seventh. No drop off is a big statement.

I think they’ll take a TE, FS, or maybe a DT to get some youth next to Derrick Brown. Really id like to see them take the BPA but also one who could immediately impact the team. Is there an electric CB/ Returner this year ? Can’t imagine Mike Jackson will be in the teams long term plans after this year.

Truly blown away that we landed this young LT after the two stud defensive guys earlier in the week. 1-yr was where his deal was headed based on how the first week of FA went. The $10M salary is a steal, IMO. Absolute robbery for a 26-year old LT that gives us no drop off from Icky. After next year, we evaluate our OL. Extend Walker? Extend Icky and move him to RT? Still think we draft an OT before R3, but now we aren't forced to decide at 19. Fully onboard the Thienemann or Sadiq train if Freeling is unavailable......maybe a move back for McDonald?

IMO the @Panthers have had one of the best first weeks of FA. https://x.com/tonypauline/status/2032561225024844183?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

I'm thinking they told Walker that he could play his way into contract as the Panthers starting LT of the future. They need a long term answer and if it's not Ickey then it's audition time. Might as well start with Walker.

From a packers fan “He's okay. Packers drafted Jordan Morgan a couple seasons ago to play LT. Injuries across the line have prevented him from actually being able to play there because Morgan can play multiple spots (varying levels of success). Walker is purely a LT. Between bad lineman contracts last year and Walker having his worst season last year, the market wasn't there so he took a prove-it deal.”