Ekwonu ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoffs against the Rams, prompting the Panthers to sign Rasheed Walker to a one-year contract. Playing on his fifth-year option, Ekwonu will probably be an interesting free agent after the season. He’s graded out as a good run blocker in 2023 and 2024 per PFF’s rankings and could benefit from a switch to right tackle. With Taylor Moton and Walker in the fold, there’s no guarantee Ekwonu will start a game this year even when he is ready to play.