Pro Football Rumors
The Panthers spent spring workouts conducting a competition at left tackle and center. A final decision on the blindside has not yet been made, but the team’s more experienced option is in the lead.
Rasheed Walker took the majority of first-team reps during OTAs and Carolina’s abbreviated minicamp, Joe Person of The Athletic notes. Especially if that continues through training camp this summer, the free agent signing will be in position to begin the season as a starter. Walker has been competing with first-round rookie Monroe Freeling.
Freeling’s size and athleticism helped his draft stock, but his college career was thin on playing time. As such, a lengthy learning curve could be in store early in his Carolina tenure. Walker, by contrast, has totaled 48 starts through four NFL seasons. The former Packer only landed a one-year, $4MM deal on the open market, but he can boost his stock for 2027 with a strong showing in Carolina. Of course, Walker’s spot in the lineup will be in danger once Ikem Ekwonu returns to action.
The Panthers’ incumbent left tackle continues to recover from the torn patellar tendon he suffered during Carolina’s wild-card loss. Earlier this month, head coach Dave Canales said Ekwonu is expected to play at some point in 2026. No timeline is in place as things stand, leaving plenty of uncertainty as Ekwonu approaches his fifth-year option season. Nevertheless, Canales remains confident in the chances of a bounce-back.
“He’s excited about it. The athletic trainers are excited about his progress right now,” Canales said of the 25-year-old. “They’re just continuing to progress him with different types of movement — forward movement, a little bit of lateral movement and just continuing to see how they can push the envelope a little bit, but in a smart way.”
Ekwonu’s return will be key for the Panthers as they seek a second straight NFC South title. A healthy close to the campaign would also be critical for the former No. 6 pick given his status a a pending 2027 free agent. In the meantime, Walker can be expected to man the blindside with Freeling out of the starting lineup to begin his career.
