How will the Carolina Panthers manage the contracts of Taylor Moton and Ickey Ekwonu this offseason?

The Carolina Panthers' offensive line improvement in 2024 is primarily due to the roster changes made during the offseason aimed at enhancing the overall talent and depth in the interior offensive line, specifically at guard and center. However, the contributions of the tackles in 2024 cannot be overlooked, as Ickey Ekwonu experienced a bounce-back season at left tackle, while Taylor Moton remained steady at right tackle despite missing games for the first time in his Panthers career. Julian reflects on how the tackles performed last season.
After three consecutive offseasons of restructuring the contract extension that Moton signed in the summer of 2021, the veteran right tackle is set to enter the new league year with the highest cap hit on the team, standing at $31,347,918. Considering the Panthers only have about $20 million in salary cap space, Moton's contract could be a hindrance to improving the roster. How should the Panthers navigate Moton's contract situation?
The Panthers have already begun addressing the tackle position this offseason by signing Brandon Walton to a futures contract in January, but how will they manage the rest of the offseason in that area? Is exercising the fifth-year option on Ickey Ekwonu an obvious choice? Will Yosh Nijman become a salary cap casualty? Is it possible that Carolina looks to find Moton's replacement in the draft?
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[@brandonlewis5971]

Poetry in Moton!

[@Benw3790]

No matter how it all goes, protecting Bryce is SUPER important. We have to have a great O line.

[@jacoboros9647]

I would pick up the 5th year option, but draft a tackle in Round 5. If Ickey is average or just above that next season, then you could consider shipping him for draft capital before the last year of his deal - above average doesn't cut it for a team trying to contend, but a lot of other teams would want that for the right price.

[@itsbageltime]

Offensive line is the most important group in football, no point in having expectations for Bryce this year if we can’t protect and run the ball

[@johnellis1702]

Extend Motion to clear some cap and if Ekwonu has another good season use the 5th year.

[@joeywalser495]

I think they have to do what they have to this year with both. Probably need to draft a g/c in 2025 and a ot in 2026

[@gussjennings4259]

Huh?