Who Should I Start? Charles Cross or Ikem Ekwonu

Thursday, May 1, 1:37 PM

The Seattle Seahawks exercised offensive tackle Charles Cross' fifth-year option for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cross, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Mississippi State, is now under contract with Seattle for the next two seasons. The 24-year-old is expected to open his fourth season in the NFL in 2025 as the Seahawks' starting left tackle while protecting new quarterback Sam Darnold's blind side. In his first three years in the NFL, Cross has started all 48 games that he's appeared in and has missed only three games. He will remain a fixture on Seattle's offensive line for at least another two seasons and possibly more.

Monday, April 28, 3:48 PM

The Carolina Panthers have announced they'll pick up the fifth-year option on offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu. He'll now be with the team through the 2026 season and garner a fully guaranteed $17.56 million in his fifth season. Carolina drafted the 24-year-old with the sixth-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ekwonu has improved in each campaign since entering the league and was solid for Carolina in 2024, albeit a better run-blocker than he was in pass protection. Still, he's been reliable -- starting 49 of a possible 51 games -- missing just two contests last year with an ankle injury. The North Carolina State product will need to improve against the pass rush in order to eventually gain a lucrative contract, but he's been a fine contributor for the Panthers. He will anchor quarterback Bryce Young's blindside once again in 2025.