Ickey Decision Looming

[Peon Awesome]

38 minutes ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

I would definitely pick up the option but I would wait on an extension.  The option forces him into a contract year, which is better for the team.  Even if he plays lights out and takes a huge step, it’s better to pay more for that guy than to pay a question mark early.

I think they ought to at least offer an extension. Between the cap rising every year inflating contracts, and the likelihood Ekwonu is more likely to play better rather than worse with O line/playbook continuity and another year of experience, chances are so much higher that his price tag will be dramatically higher next year. We kind of know his floor: above average run blocker and mediocre pass blocker susceptible to speed rushers. I'd look at the median salary for a starting tackle, tack on a 20% premium to account for cap inflation and the hope he improves, and offer a 5 year extension at that rate. Looking at current salaries, that would be something like 5 years, $110 million. Then adjust guarantees to work in some protection and see where you get with negotiations.

[csx]

Seems inevitable they will pick up the option.

[csx]

2 hours ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

I would definitely pick up the option but I would wait on an extension.  The option forces him into a contract year, which is better for the team.  Even if he plays lights out and takes a huge step, it’s better to pay more for that guy than to pay a question mark early.

It's a contract year either way.

[pantherclaw]

9 hours ago, Ricky Spanish said:

Yes you pick up the option. Shouldn't even be a debate at this point. It will be harder to replace him with a better player at a comparable or cheaper price.

He's improved since last season, hopefully he continues to improve into the future.

This.  

[PNW_PantherMan]

1 hour ago, csx said:

It's a contract year either way.

It’s not a contract year if they give him a new contract right away.  That’s what some are discussing vs riding out the option year.

[45catfan]

LTs are the second hardest position to play on offense other than QB.  While Ickey isn't perfect, trying to replace him with a cheaper option that's just as good will be a tough order.

[CPF4LIFE]

Unless you plan to move him to guard. Hes LT long term. 

[frankw]

The option is a given. And at this point considering our list of needs going forward you also have to see where he stands on an extension now rather than later.

[onmyown]

On 1/2/2025 at 8:25 AM, DeAngelo Beason said:

I don't think he is nearly as bad as people in this board like to act.  You pick up the option without question.

People play way too much Madden. Even middle of the road LT, and really offensive lineman in general (if you don’t believe he is long term LT) is not easy to find and not cheap. Letting him go would be monumentally stupid. And so it might happen.

[Navy_football]

So Ickey is only 24! He's been starting for 4 years at LT in the NFL and he's only 24 years old. And his birthday is October 31st, so he turned 24 halfway through his 4th season. Why didn't I know that?

Perspective here. He will get better. He's not even in his physical prime yet! Like 2 or 3 years away! And he's been pretty healthy - knock on wood. Go with the 5th year option and get him locked in long term! He's gonna be an all pro one day. This is crazy.

[Mr. Scot]

The fifth year option is a no brainier.

Long term? I'm still not fully convinced he's a franchise left tackle.

[DaveThePanther2008]

You could possibly put part of his problems on the wretched lineup we had on the oline last year. 

He's definitely improved with a better group with him. At this point he's not elite but very serviceable. No need in going the Mike Remmer route. 

[Whoops]

9 hours ago, Navy_football said:

So Ickey is only 24! He's been starting for 4 years at LT in the NFL and he's only 24 years old. And his birthday is October 31st, so he turned 24 halfway through his 4th season. Why didn't I know that?

Perspective here. He will get better. He's not even in his physical prime yet! Like 2 or 3 years away! And he's been pretty healthy - knock on wood. Go with the 5th year option and get him locked in long term! He's gonna be an all pro one day. This is crazy.

This is his 3rd year.  Option gets picked up before the 4th year of play.  

[CmC2k]

Ickey is gonna be a foundational piece on this team for a long time. He's a good young tackle who's developing nicely and will soon be a top LT in the NFL in a couple years. Pick up the 5th year option and when the time comes pay the man. We have a good Oline now so let's continue to invest in it and maybe we can finally have back to back winning seasons here. 

I really don't wanna return to the "can he play LT" discussions here on the huddle .