Panthers Sign Veteran Tackle to Bolster Offensive Line

Signing of Stone Forsythe provides insurance for Ikem Ekwonu's injury recovery

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran offensive tackle Stone Forsythe in free agency, providing depth and experience to their offensive line as star left tackle Ikem Ekwonu continues recovering from a major knee injury suffered during the 2025 postseason.

Why it matters

Ekwonu's injury recovery timeline could keep him out for the start of the 2026 season, so the Panthers needed to add a veteran option to protect the quarterback's blindside. Forsythe's experience starting games for the Raiders last year makes him a capable fill-in while Ekwonu works his way back to full strength.

The details

Forsythe, a 6-foot-8, 307-pound tackle, was a sixth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 and spent four seasons as a reserve option at both tackle spots. He started 13 games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 while filling in for an injured Kolton Miller. The Panthers are hoping Forsythe can provide a veteran presence and steady play at left tackle until Ekwonu is fully recovered from his ruptured patellar tendon.

  • Ekwonu suffered the knee injury during the Panthers' Wild Card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January 2026.
  • Injuries of that severity typically require 9-12 months of recovery, meaning Ekwonu could miss all of training camp and potentially the early part of the 2026 regular season.

The players

Ikem Ekwonu

The Panthers' star left tackle who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the 2025 playoffs, putting his availability for the start of the 2026 season in doubt.

Stone Forsythe

A veteran offensive tackle who has experience starting games at both tackle spots, most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. The Panthers signed him to provide depth and insurance while Ekwonu recovers.

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What they’re saying

“This signing is noteworthy due to Ikem Ekwonu's recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon. The Panthers could draft an OT. But Forsythe could be called upon to play early in the year, as well.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Panthers will continue to monitor Ekwonu's recovery progress and determine if they need to address the offensive line further in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 19th overall pick potentially being used on another tackle option.

The takeaway

This move highlights the importance of depth and veteran experience on the offensive line, especially when dealing with a significant injury to a star player like Ekwonu. The Panthers are taking a proactive approach to ensure they have a capable fill-in while their franchise left tackle works his way back to full strength.