The more I think about this pick the more I like it. The Icky injury might end up being a blessing in disguise for everyone except Icky unfortunately. If Freeling pans out at LT the Panthers have a good player on a rookie contract at a premium position at a time when they’re going to need to potentially pay Bryce for his next contract. Icky was likely going to command a big salary jump for his next contract and now, there’s a strong justification he’s not going to be worth a big money extension until he rehabs and proves he can still play at a high level. Since he’s finishing his rookie deal this season, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers bring him back for the 2027 season. Obviously it’s too early to say and they will probably wait to see how the season pans out with Moton still elite but aging and clearly battling persistent injuries, and they need to see if Freeling can develop into a starter during his rookie year. But ultimately this might have opened up a huge chunk of salary cap for the next 4-5 years.