During the offseason break, social media often highlights quarterbacks practicing with receivers. However, for the Carolina Panthers, their identity is set to emerge when they return for training camp. The offensive line, which made significant strides last year, is back and ready to build on its progress.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu emphasized the importance of trust and responsibility within the team: “I mean, it’s definitely nice, having that trust and having that onus on us,” he said. The Panthers have focused on strengthening their offensive line over the past two years.
The team was stable at tackle with Ekwonu and veteran Taylor Moton but struggled with consistency at guard positions in 2023. To address this, they invested in free agents Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and moved Austin Corbett to center. This led to a reduction in sacks allowed from 65 in 2023 to 35 last year.
Pro Football Focus ranked them as the 11th-best line going into this year: “Draft picks and free-agent acquisitions paid off for the Panthers in 2024.” The physical style of play became evident with Hunt’s performance during training camp.
Hunt expressed his commitment to high-level play: “At the end of the day, for me, I don’t want to play football if I’m not going to play it at a high level.” He noted that playing alongside talented teammates raises everyone’s game.
The cohesion among players positively impacted quarterback Bryce Young’s confidence. Hunt recalled an instance against Denver where Young demonstrated resilience after being hit.
The re-signing of Corbett solidified their starting lineup for another year. Key backups Brady Christensen and Cade Mays also returned, providing depth. With Chandler Zavala and Yosh Nijman included, all top nine linemen from last season are back.
Corbett highlighted the importance of consistency: “You’re only going to go as far as the offensive line goes.” The stability within the team is crucial under coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan’s leadership since 2024.
Ekwonu acknowledged how rare it is to retain such a group: “Some guys that have been in the league way longer than I have… say how rare it is.”
