Panthers agree to deal with 6th overall pick Ikem Ekwonu

Ikem Ekwonu and Roger Goodell North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the Carolina Panthers with the sixth pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a four-year contract with first-round draft pick Ikem Ekwonu.

Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick, agreed to a four-year rookie contract with a team option for a fifth season Tuesday night. Financial terms of the deal were not released, but the offensive tackle from North Carolina State is slotted to receive around $27.6 million overall with a signing bonus in the range of $17.2 million, according to Spotrac.

[ READ MORE: Panthers turn to defense, speed on final day of the draft ]

The deal comes just days before the start of the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend.

He is projected to become the team’s starting left tackle this season, filling a major hole on offense.

The Panthers have now agreed to terms with four of team’s draft picks. They earlier reached deals with Amaré Barno, Kalon Barnes and Cade Mays.

(WATCH BELOW: Panthers select Charlotte-native Ikem Ekwonu with 6th overall pick in NFL Draft)

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