The Carolina Panthers have been working diligently to rebuild their roster, and one of the most critical pieces of that puzzle is the offensive line. Among the standout players in that group is right tackle Taylor Moton, whose consistency and leadership have made him an invaluable asset to the team. As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, Moton has expressed his excitement about returning with the entire offensive line intact—a rarity in today’s ever-changing NFL landscape. Even more encouraging is his belief that he has “another contract” left in him, signaling his commitment to the franchise and his confidence in his ability to perform at a high level for years to come.
Taylor Moton’s journey with the Panthers has been one of steady growth and reliability. Drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Moton initially served as a swing tackle before earning the starting right tackle role in 2018. Since then, he has been a model of durability and consistency, rarely missing games and providing stability on an offensive line that has seen its fair share of upheaval. His performance earned him a four-year, $72 million extension in 2021, a well-deserved reward for a player who has been one of the team’s most dependable blockers.
What makes Moton’s presence even more significant is the continuity the Panthers’ offensive line now enjoys. For the first time in years, the entire starting unit is returning, a luxury that many teams don’t have in the modern NFL, where free agency and injuries often force constant reshuffling. Moton has spoken openly about how valuable this continuity is, not just for the offensive line but for the entire offense. Chemistry along the offensive line is often underrated, but it’s a critical factor in both pass protection and run blocking. When linemen are familiar with each other’s tendencies and communication styles, the entire unit operates more efficiently.
Moton will once again be joined by left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2022 who showed immense promise in his rookie season. The interior line features Brady Christensen, Austin Corbett, and Bradley Bozeman, a group that began to gel as last season progressed. Having all five starters return means the Panthers can hit the ground running in training camp, refining their techniques and building on the progress they made rather than starting from scratch with new personnel. Moton has emphasized how rare and valuable this kind of continuity is, especially for a team looking to take the next step offensively.
Beyond the immediate benefits of a returning offensive line, Moton’s belief that he has “another contract” in him speaks volumes about his mindset. At 29 years old, he’s in the prime of his career, and his durability suggests he can continue playing at a high level for several more seasons. Offensive tackles with his combination of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency are hard to come by, and the Panthers would be wise to keep him in Charlotte for the long haul. His leadership in the locker room is just as important as his play on the field, serving as a mentor for younger linemen like Ekwonu while setting the standard for professionalism and work ethic.
The Panthers’ offense should benefit greatly from the stability up front. Last season, the offensive line showed flashes of dominance, particularly in the run game, where the Panthers ranked among the league’s best in yards per carry. With a full offseason to further develop cohesion, this group has the potential to be even better in 2024. A strong offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense, and if the Panthers can keep their starters healthy, they’ll provide quarterback Bryce Young with the protection he needs to thrive in his second season. Young’s rookie year was marred by inconsistent blocking and constant pressure, but with Moton and company back in place, the hope is that he’ll have more time to operate and more confidence in the pocket.
Moton’s role in this cannot be overstated. As the veteran leader of the group, he sets the tone in both practice and games. His ability to handle elite pass rushers one-on-one allows the Panthers to focus their protection schemes elsewhere, and his experience helps the entire unit make in-game adjustments more effectively. His presence also allows Ekwonu to continue developing without the pressure of being the lone anchor on the line. The left tackle position is notoriously difficult for young players, but with Moton holding down the right side, Ekwonu can grow into his role with confidence.
Looking ahead, the Panthers’ front office will have decisions to make regarding Moton’s future. His current contract runs through the 2025 season, but given his production and importance to the team, an extension before he hits free agency would make sense. Moton has already expressed his desire to remain with the Panthers, and if he continues to perform at his usual level, there’s no reason to believe the team wouldn’t want to keep him around. Franchise tackles don’t grow on trees, and Moton has proven he can be a cornerstone player for this organization.
For now, though, the focus is on the upcoming season. The Panthers are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign, and a strong offensive line will be key to that effort. With Taylor Moton leading the way, the entire unit has a chance to establish itself as one of the better groups in the league. His confidence, leadership, and on-field performance will be critical factors in determining just how far this Panthers team can go.
In a league where offensive line play often dictates success, the Panthers are fortunate to have a player like Moton anchoring their front. His belief that he has “another contract” in him is a testament to his dedication and self-assurance, and Panthers fans should be thrilled to know that one of their most reliable players isn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon. With the entire offensive line returning, the foundation is set for improvement—and Taylor Moton will be right in the middle of it, doing what he does best: protecting his quarterback and paving the way for success.
