Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis addressed the challenges of managing player contracts and building team depth during Wednesday’s practice in Charlotte. Standing near right tackle Taylor Moton, who became emotional when discussing his uncertain future with the Panthers, Tilis reflected on the personal side of contract negotiations.
“So any conversations that we have with Taylor and his agents or any player and their agents will just keep between us. As far as Taylor himself goes, I did see him get, you know, a little emotional up here. That’s hard,” Tilis said. “That’s a hard part of our business that somebody pours their whole life into this like Taylor has, and he’s faced with potentially going to a new place next year.
“But at the same time, like we are going to make the best decision for the organization, and if that means keeping Taylor here, then that’s great. If those two things align, we are open to it. I’m not going to sit here and say that, oh, we’re definitely not going to do it or we definitely are. Whatever makes the best sense for the Panthers, we’ll do.”
Tilis noted that watching Moton’s reaction was difficult but part of his responsibility as an executive.
“That is not easy for me,” Tilis said. “It’s actually pretty hard, but these jobs aren’t easy, right? Even the players out here, like the players, they just busted their tail out there for two hours in this heat, that’s not easy either. So I think we all have a job to do.
“I rely on the people around me to help me out and keep me in my lane, so to speak. Like, hey, this is just business. I think it also helps the fact that players have agents, like the players have agents for a reason so that the emotions do stay out of it. And that cuts both ways. So yeah; to answer your question: no; it’s not easy.”
Tilis has been involved in several recent contract extensions and free agent signings aimed at strengthening both talent and culture within the team alongside general manager Dan Morgan.
Whether it was extending players including Jaycee Horn, Derrick Brown or Chuba Hubbard—or signing free agents such as Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis—Tilis described balancing negotiations with maintaining continuity on the roster.
“We want our players focused on football,” Tilis said. “And so the more we can knock out the contract side before camp starts; better off we’re going to be. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to just shut things down at camp or when season starts…we’ll always look for good business opportunities…and good opportunities…to improve…and…have continuity…But for most part—we want…knock all stuff out early—and have our players just focus on being best versions themselves.”
The Panthers face additional upcoming contractual decisions involving left tackle Ikem Ekwonu after picking up his option for 2026—a move similar to how previous first-rounders were retained as foundational pieces.
“I don’t see Ickey as—as somebody who’s up; Ickey’s still got another year,” he said. “It’s not great from a planning standpoint—to have starter—that is on last year—of his deal—and that’s why our preference would be—to have players under contract—but again—the deal is going—have make sense—for both sides.”
Tilis emphasized recent improvements in roster depth were evident during practices.
“Oh yeah,” he replied when asked if he thought team was deeper.” And you can see it out there with how competitive practices are.Dan—and scouting staff—have done amazing job bringing in depth.Our coaches—are really coaching them all up.So you’re seeing whole organization at play here.”
