Carolina Panthers Sign New Bryce Young Blindside Protector

The Carolina Panthers have signed former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.

Walker expected to have a major market as he entered free agency, but it didn't pan out, allowing Carolina to swoop in with a one-year deal before reentering free agency in 2027.

The former seventh-round pick developed into a solid starter in Green Bay and can be the perfect stopgap left tackle for the Panthers.

Carolina has Ikem Ekwonu, but he went down with a ruptured patellar tendon in the Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

That will keep Ekwonu out for some, if not all, of the 2026 season, leaving a hole at left tackle. 

With Walker now inked to a deal, the Panthers have a quality tackle in place to protect quarterback Bryce Young's blindside.

Young is coming off a career year in 2025, where he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

The former number one overall pick led Carolina into the postseason for the first time since Cam Newton was their quarterback.

They won the NFC South and have a chance to do it again in 2026. Young's continued development will play a key role in that, and it's wise that the Panthers invested in Walker for a season to help keep him upright in the pocket.

General manager Dan Morgan has been active in adding to Carolina's roster this offseason. The Panthers signed pass rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal. They have also added linebacker Devin Lloyd, wide receiver John Metchie III, and more.

Carolina can continue to make additions through the rest of free agency and the draft, but they have a roster capable of returning to the postseason and winning the NFC South for a second straight season.

While Walker isn't the long-term left tackle for the Panthers, landing him on a one-year deal while Ekwonu recovers will help Young have time in the pocket to deliver the ball downfield.

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