Emotional Taylor Moton Reflects on Possible Final Season with the Panthers

Taylor Moton has served as a key player at offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers since entering the NFL as a second-round selection in 2017.

It makes sense that Moton became emotional after Wednesday's training camp session when discussing the chance that this might be his last season with the Panthers. At 30 years old, Moton is in the final year of his contract and will qualify as an unrestricted free agent in March.

So far, Moton has not been granted an extension.

I try not to dwell on it," Moton stated. "I've experienced some of the greatest moments of my life in Carolina. The city and being a Panther mean a great deal to me. Naturally, I hope these years keep going. However, if this turns out to be my final season here, I want it to be my finest, along with the offense's strongest performance and the team's most successful campaign. I'll do everything possible to make sure it's the best one yet. I'm feeling quite sentimental about it.

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Moton has participated in 113 games with the Panthers (ranking 13th all-time in team history). He has appeared in 129 total.

Despite not being chosen for the Pro Bowl, Moton has shown impressive consistency, toughness, and effectiveness throughout his career. His record of starting 104 consecutive games ended during the previous season in Week 5 after he sat out three matches due to an elbow problem. He made a comeback to complete the season and now heads into his ninth year "feeling like a freshman" regarding his physical condition.

The Panthers' executive vice president of football operations, Brandt Tilis, along with general manager Dan Morgan, face challenging choices regarding the offensive tackle position.

In addition to Moton's upcoming free agency, the Panthers must determine if they will negotiate a contract extension with the team's other offensive tackle, Ickey Ekwonu, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 draft and is beloved by fans from Charlotte.

The Panthers exercised the fifth-year option for Ekwonu, though a new deal might help reduce a possible $17.5 million impact on the salary cap in 2026.

At this moment, Moton appears to be the more urgent matter.

I saw Taylor getting a bit emotional up here," Tilis mentioned while standing behind a podium following practice on Wednesday. "That's one of the tough aspects of our job where someone invests their entire life into this, like Taylor has, and now he might have to move somewhere else next year. However, we will still make the best choice for the team. If that involves keeping Taylor here, that would be wonderful. If both factors match up, we're willing to bring him back.

By now, Tilis doesn't feel compelled to prolong anything.

He likes to handle contract discussions during the off-season, but the Panthers are open to discussing a deal throughout the season. The Panthers have recognized running back Chuba Hubbard with a a four-year contract worth $33.2 million signed in November

"Whatever is most beneficial for the Panthers, we will pursue," Tilis stated.

The Panthers still have ample time to decide on quarterback Bryce Young, who showed potential toward the end of the 2024 season after being benched early on, recording 10 total touchdowns through passing and running without any interceptions in his last three games.

He has a contract until 2026, with the Panthers having a team option for 2027.

Tillis, who once served as the main contract negotiator in Kansas City, was tasked with securing a A 10-year contract worth $450 million for Patrick Mahomes In 2020, only a few months following the quarterback guiding the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory during his second year starting regularly.

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Young, who finished with a 4-8 record as a starting pitcher last season, still has much left to demonstrate.

We had a great situation going" in Kansas City, Tilis stated. "With Bryce, it's similar to the (Ekwonu) discussion. Bryce is a rising player, so I don't want to stay here and make any commitments, any declarations regarding our thoughts on Bryce's contract or anything along those lines.

Tilis mentioned that for the time being, it's advisable for Young to concentrate on football.

"He should concentrate on becoming his best self, and the details of the contract will be resolved," Tilis stated.

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