Ikem Ekwonu is slated to GET PAID

[The Huddler]

1 hour ago, frankw said:

People are acting like we've "arrived" and if one is a longtime Panthers fan they should know better than that. We're running all over bad defenses. Certainly fun to watch. But the real test will be when we face better defensive units and we have to create a consistent passing offense. That's the biggest question mark. And that's where we need to see the biggest result from our investment in the OL and QB.

yeah ive been a fan for a long ass time and ive learned to enjoy it while i can because its short lived. I aint a sucker unless it actually makes me upset like a child when they start to be ass again.  if someone has that emotional problem, then sure, that person wont buy in and get excited.  Me?  Ima enjoy the dubs and enjoy the progress we are making and chose to be optimistic, knowing full well we prob aint gunna be poo 

[kungfoodude]

1 hour ago, frankw said:

People are acting like we've "arrived" and if one is a longtime Panthers fan they should know better than that. We're running all over bad defenses. Certainly fun to watch. But the real test will be when we face better defensive units and we have to create a consistent passing offense. That's the biggest question mark. And that's where we need to see the biggest result from our investment in the OL and QB.

I am still sticking with the 4-7 win prediction. 

We are doing a great job of getting the younger guys reps. Getting a good idea of some of our future roster pieces. That's fantastic.

[frankw]

13 minutes ago, The Huddler said:

yeah ive been a fan for a long ass time and ive learned to enjoy it while i can because its short lived. I aint a sucker unless it actually makes me upset like a child when they start to be ass again.  if someone has that emotional problem, then sure, that person wont buy in and get excited.  Me?  Ima enjoy the dubs and enjoy the progress we are making and chose to be optimistic, knowing full well we prob aint gunna be poo 

Defeating the Falcons and the Cowboys will always be cause for rejoice. I agree completely about enjoying it while it lasts. Such is the nature of being a Panthers fan.

[strato]

2 hours ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

We have the most expensive offensive line already, and you guys are itching to throw down for the 30th ranked T per PFF?  I don't know guys.  You do you.

I think if you do make this move you have to get younger and/or cheaper at the QB position.

I would prefer Icky be moved to ROT before being paid, not after. but the Motion deal made that impossible. 

[PNW_PantherMan]

11 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

I am still sticking with the 4-7 win prediction. 

We are doing a great job of getting the younger guys reps. Getting a good idea of some of our future roster pieces. That's fantastic.

Yeah the rest of the schedule is just brutal.  It's going to be a test for sure.

[strato]

16 minutes ago, The Huddler said:

yeah ive been a fan for a long ass time and ive learned to enjoy it while i can because its short lived. I aint a sucker unless it actually makes me upset like a child when they start to be ass again.  if someone has that emotional problem, then sure, that person wont buy in and get excited.  Me?  Ima enjoy the dubs and enjoy the progress we are making and chose to be optimistic, knowing full well we prob aint gunna be poo 

I can enjoy the moment without succumbing to reality denying optimism over it 

[PNW_PantherMan]

1 minute ago, strato said:

I would prefer Icky be moved to ROT before being paid, not after. but the Motion deal made that impossible. 

Or keep him at LT and draft another RT.  Can't have everyone on big contracts.  League is structured so that's impossible.  I'm not sure why some folks have an issue understanding that.

[frankw]

10 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

I am still sticking with the 4-7 win prediction. 

We are doing a great job of getting the younger guys reps. Getting a good idea of some of our future roster pieces. That's fantastic.

Yeah the younger players on the roster on both sides of the ball getting much needed development and gaining confidence is a huge boost for my optimism regarding the staff. This years draft class flashing is icing on the cake. From there we know what we have can compete at least for our division. I just do not want to see us be complacent again regarding QB depending on how the rest of the season transpires. It's a beaten horse yes but it's importance cannot be understated for the future.

[strato]

8 minutes ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

Or keep him at LT and draft another RT.  Can't have everyone on big contracts.  League is structured so that's impossible.  I'm not sure why some folks have an issue understanding that.

That is going to have to be the way, if he stays because we can’t pay two LOT deals. Now, I am all about the cumulative, in the sense that you can win a draft with a bad top pick if you hit elsewhere, and in this scenario, what is the entire group costing you.

Like if Icky gets a lot money but we draft a new LOT and move him over and add the two contracts, they total up like two decent values. 

PS I wanted to make Icky a guard before Dan did his guard stuff.

And have to say, I have seen Hunt look pretty bad at times and with th success of the rushing game without him and not sure he was necessary. Great player but maybe not for the price. 

Edited 8 hours ago by strato

[kungfoodude]

8 minutes ago, frankw said:

Yeah the younger players on the roster on both sides of the ball getting much needed development and gaining confidence is a huge boost for my optimism regarding the staff. This years draft class flashing is icing on the cake. From there we know what we have can compete at least for our division. I just do not want to see us be complacent again regarding QB depending on how the rest of the season transpires. It's a beaten horse yes but it's importance cannot be understated for the future.

I think we just need to get the roster in order. Bryce will basically take care of himself, IMO. 

[Basbear]

17 hours ago, BEASTfromdaEAST said:

Where do you draw line top3 or top 5 money then?

I wish he goes for a "hometown" deal and doesn't try and reset market but it's going to be tough to argue not paying him BIG MONEY if he continues do be a stabilizing force on the left side of line.

DM got some tough decisions to make at the OT position coming up. 

 

 

I don't think people know that Icky is still only 25 years old. Panthers signed UDFAs older this year and drafted DJ Johnson.

Heres a fact, a deep fact.... Its easier(much) to find a good-great QB than good-great LT. Another fact there's only 12-15 true LTs and the others are larping as LT. 

SO....(I'm not a fan btw)......you nearly must resign him at all cost even with him being around the 12th best at times. Its the hardest spot to fill and he's still awful young with 4 years as a pro. Carolina already got 4 years of "cheap" service as well, that's invested time and effort. 

The fan-side of me hopes he signs some top 5 at best top 3 big money deal. Just the cap keeps growing and LTs, young LT with experience are rrrrrrare and unique. Tag him if needed and tag him again, then trade him. I think he enjoys being/living in NC. 

I hope he's stays on a team friendly deal, but those are soooo rare these days. 

Only two options- pay him whatever, even if it's top $$$$$(uggggghhhh..) or tag him for 2027 and keep trying to pay. Worst outcome is trading him for couple 1s, 3s, and 5th maybe a player too. 

[pantherclaw]

As challenging as it is to find starting quality left tackles, pay the man. 

Hunt is here for awhile. And I'm fine with it. Especially with him being the leader he is. 

Lewis on the other hand, would be easier to move on from and replace from within the team. 

[PNW_PantherMan]

25 minutes ago, pantherclaw said:

As challenging as it is to find starting quality left tackles, pay the man. 

Hunt is here for awhile. And I'm fine with it. Especially with him being the leader he is. 

Lewis on the other hand, would be easier to move on from and replace from within the team. 

Good point on Lewis.  With how things are shaking out, that's going to have to be the spot that's made up from depth or the draft after 2026.