The Carolina Panthers have signed right tackle Taylor Moton to a two-year contract extension, ensuring his presence on the team through the 2027 season. The move keeps a key member of their offensive line in place as they look to maintain stability for a third straight year. The Panthers had previously exercised the fifth-year option on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, also securing him for the 2026 season.
Moton, drafted in the second round by Carolina in 2017, is one of only two players remaining from the roster that last reached the playoffs after that season. Over eight NFL seasons, he has played in 129 games and started 113. His three missed games last year were his first absences due to injury.
Reflecting on his career with the Panthers and his emotional attachment to both the city and team, Moton said during training camp: “I had some of my best years here in Carolina. I know we haven’t won. But the city, being a Panther, means a lot to me, so it’s crazy. You don’t know. Obviously I want the years to continue, but if it’s my last year here, I want to be my best year. I want it to be the offensive line’s best year, the offensive unit’s best year, the team’s best year, do whatever I can to. Have us be our best yet, so I’m a little emotional about it.
“All the blood, all the sweat, all the tears, right? I’ve been through so much here; being a Panther means a lot to me. The city means a lot to me. I found my family here, I found my son here, you know? So much sacrifice has gone out on the football field, the practice field here at Bank of America Stadium.
“I put so much time, so much heart into it, right? So it’s just crazy, you know, but at the end of the day, focused on finishing this out the right way. If it is, obviously I said I have some good years left, but I have a deep passion for this city, for this organization, for all the guys in the locker room, all the staff, everyone involved in making this thing go.”
Teammates and coaches have praised Moton’s performance and work ethic over his career with Carolina. Last season he was ranked among Pro Football Focus’ top 20 tackles league-wide while allowing just one sack and committing only one penalty throughout eight seasons.
Guard Robert Hunt commented: “Just an underrated guy,” Hunt said of Moton. “Like who I believe if he was in a bigger market would be a Pro Bowl guy…I’ve always been a fan of his game.”
Brady Christensen highlighted Moton’s consistency: “I just think the consistency of his routine; his consistency of doing work…he is just same guy every single day no matter what’s going on…It’s amazing.”
Moton himself described his approach as striving for “the flow state.” He said: “I don’t know about every other position…But it’s fact that you have to be consistent play after play because if you’re off one play that can lead to disaster…I take that very seriously…I’m so happy that I’ve been able do it all these years here as Panther…”
Continuity along their offensive line has paid dividends for Carolina; after struggling with injuries and lineup changes leading up to giving up 65 sacks during one season (cycling through multiple guards), improvements followed with new additions like Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt reducing sacks allowed down to 36 last year.
With Hunt under contract through 2028 and Lewis through 2027—plus Ekwonu’s option secured—the Panthers now have most of their starting line set for at least two more full regular seasons together; center Austin Corbett is currently set to become a free agent after this coming season.
“Definitely I’d say that chemistry is huge,” Moton said earlier this summer regarding playing next Hunt. “I love playing next Rob…it’s exciting just be able build what we started last year…continue take steps right direction…”
The Panthers hope retaining Moton will provide leadership and stability as they aim for improved results in future seasons.
