Ickey Decision Looming

[Waldo]

He is worth the 5th year option regardless. He is a good run blocker and an ok pass protector. Depending on what he is looking for in a contact should determine if they keep or trade him. Once they pick up the 5th year option the conversations should begin about a new contract and it's on the front office to come up with a gameplan once they see the other side's demands. 

The oline has a lot of money tied up in it but it also still has needs. Moton isn't getting younger or cheaper and OC is a position that should be upgraded with a rookie ASAP. 

[TD alt]

2 hours 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

Wretched? That's a little hyperbolic.

[Icege]

No brainer to take the option. He's been steadily improving. If he continues to develop, get that second contract figured out and let's move on to the next roster spot!

[Seltzer]

3 hours ago, mrcompletely11 said:

You have to

100% right on this. Icky isn't perfect, but Oline is one of the few strengths on this team and you need to keep it intact.

I wish Icky was better in pass protection, but it would be a crapshoot to find someone better and the team needs to use their resources elsewhere.

Look at me totally agreeing with @mrcompletely11...

It must be a new year... 

Happy New Years everyone!

[countryboi]

picking up his 5 year is a no brainer, a new deal. who knows

[Jon Snow]

What's the alternative? Is there a starting LT on the roster better? Does your crystal ball tell you or are you using a magic 8 ball? Of course you take the option.

[ProcessBlue2]

You pick up the option either way. If he's wanting Top 5 money he can go pound sand long term though.

[outlaw4]

Option? Absolutely. A new deal? If the team really wants to keep him, this might be the time to do it. Otherwise, there's a real risk he plays even better next year and his price tag is going to skyrocket to elite LT money. Obviously, his agent would try to get that now, but they aren't going to have that much leverage. He's not even a Pro Bowl alternative this year.

[Memphis]

Solid LT at 24 years of age. Yes please

[OneBadCat]

Of course yes you pick it up. I’d rather have Icky and his faults with Brady backing him up than no bonafide starter at all. 

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, outlaw4 said:

Option? Absolutely. A new deal? If the team really wants to keep him, this might be the time to do it. Otherwise, there's a real risk he plays even better next year and his price tag is going to skyrocket to elite LT money. Obviously, his agent would try to get that now, but they aren't going to have that much leverage. He's not even a Pro Bowl alternative this year.

His PFF score (and OL is pretty easy to grade) is over 70 and going up.  He will get more expensive if you wait.  How many remember the time between Gross and Ekwonu's 2024?  I do.  Leave the friggin OL alone--sign Ickey.  I am even happy with the progress Mays made.  Here is something you need to learn about LT if you do not already know:
The difference between LT and RT is shrinking based on more shotgun and 11 personnel.  Some of the best pass rusher in the NFL are playing edge on the defensive left side--over the Right Tackle.  JJ Watt, Maxx Crosby, and Nick Bosa, for example, are most effective attacking the QB's right side.  They like the ability to see and swipe the ball while engaged in a block, something not done on the blind side.

Ekwonu PFF scores (if you want to bash PFF, find a better measure and present it):  overall--70.6; pass protection 64.7; run blocking 80.8  (this does suggest he'd be a stud guard, but he is a tackle and a good one, fwiw)

Moton PFF scores:  Overall  75.0; pass protection 78.6; run blocking 64.0.

Not a lot of difference--

Ekwonu is a considerably better Run blocker  (+16.8)

Moton is the better pass blocker (+13.9). 

Pay the man.

Edited January 2, 2025 by MHS831

[PNW_PantherMan]

I would definitely pick up the option but I would wait on an extension.  The option forces him into a contract year, which is better for the team.  Even if he plays lights out and takes a huge step, it’s better to pay more for that guy than to pay a question mark early.

Edited January 2, 2025 by PNW_PantherMan

[flagfootballcoach28]

Of course we pick up the option. Why make LT an issue when we have so many other holes to fix? That’s insane 

[Adb6368]

Move him to guard against Atlanta. Tag him as a guard. Save millions. Move Christensen to LT. 

BOOM. Salary cap magic right there. And ensuring we never sign a free agent again.