Ickey Decision Looming

[Jackofalltrades]

He improved over last year's wretched performance, but was it enough to warrant the Panthers picking up his 5th year option and possibility a new contract?

 

What say you? Unless we upgrade in the draft this year I think we have to. Moton is long in the tooth and reliable LT's are hard to come by. So many holes to fill...

 

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article297503103.html

[mrcompletely11]

You have to

[Ricky Spanish]

Yes you pick up the option. Shouldn't even be a debate at this point. It will be harder to replace him with a better player at a comparable or cheaper price.

He's improved since last season, hopefully he continues to improve into the future.

[PNW_PantherMan]

Maybe he can move to RT after Moton is done in a couple years?

[Jaxel]

Is this really a hard decision?

[Prowler2k18]

We may not have a choice though I’d prefer to see an upgrade at LT.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

LT is not a looming problem right now.  Not signing Ickey makes it one. No need to manufacture a crisis when we have plenty of others all throughout the roster. 

[Jay Roosevelt]

There is no decision; you have to pick up the option.

MAYBE there's a decision to make on whether to extend him or not, but there is absolutely zero choice on the 5th year option.

[Joe Bear]

Pick up the option but he needs challenging in camp, just like Young.

[DeAngelo Beason]

I don't think he is nearly as bad as people in this board like to act.  You pick up the option without question.

[Gapanthersfan]

I started a discussion about this a couple weeks ago. 

It’s a real issue the Panthers have looming that I hope Dan and company in their crosshairs. 

This could be another 1st rounder this org lets walk for nothing. 

Edited January 2, 2025 by Gapanthersfan

[WarPanthers89]

This is the easiest decision in the world to pick up the 5th year option. Left tackles don’t grow on trees. You accept the option, and you pay the man after that. He’s been above solid/shown flashes of greatness and is only 25 years old. He’s only going to keep growing. He’s been improving while being in 4 different offenses during his career.  Next year will be the first time in his NFL career that he’s going to have the same offensive playbook to go by, and we as fans often overlook this. Imagine learning a new language every season coming into the league in one of the hardest positions to be in. 

[33inNC]

1 hour ago, Jackofalltrades said:

He improved over last year's wretched performance, but was it enough to warrant the Panthers picking up his 5th year option and possibility a new contract?

 

What say you? Unless we upgrade in the draft this year I think we have to. Moton is long in the tooth and reliable LT's are hard to come by. So many holes to fill...

 

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article297503103.html

Cut bait, he is not worth it. Paying him would severely handicap us more than we already are. 

[MHS831]

I like to reply before reading other posts, so excuse me if this is repetitive.  He is young and his stock is going up.  He has a 70+ Pff rating, and I would agree with that.  His technique has improved.  All OTs get beat once in a while, but he was being targeted more by DCs last year--that tells me something about him.  I lock him down for a fifth year.

What does not make sense?  Draft him, develop him, and if he is not performing at an elite level, let him walk. We are not a farm team. He is coachable and has responded to coaching. Coach him up. Most OL peak around 30.  No brainer.

Edited January 2, 2025 by MHS831