Panthers' Rasheed Walker Says Gun Charge Getting Dismissed

New left tackle signed to one-year deal as potential Ikem Ekwonu replacement

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:53am

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New Carolina Panthers left tackle Rasheed Walker told reporters during his introductory press conference that a gun charge against him from early this year is being dismissed. Walker, 26, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a firearm by New York City's Port Authority Police at LaGuardia Airport on Jan. 23 when he attempted to check an unloaded handgun without the proper paperwork.

Why it matters

This development clears the way for Walker to join the Panthers without the legal cloud of a pending gun charge, allowing him to focus on competing for the starting left tackle job as Ikem Ekwonu recovers from a serious knee injury.

The details

Walker entered a pretrial diversion program, paving the way for his charges to be cleared so long as he avoids an additional arrest in the next six months. The Panthers signed him to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million as a potential replacement starter for left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who ruptured his patellar tendon in the team's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January and could miss the entire 2026 season.

  • On January 23, 2026, Walker was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a firearm by New York City's Port Authority Police at LaGuardia Airport.
  • Last week, it was reported that Walker had entered a pretrial diversion program.

The players

Rasheed Walker

A 26-year-old left tackle who was recently signed by the Carolina Panthers to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million.

Ikem Ekwonu

The Carolina Panthers' starting left tackle who ruptured his patellar tendon in the team's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January and could miss the entire 2026 season.

Green Bay Packers

The team that drafted Rasheed Walker in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where he started 16 of 17 games in 2025.

Los Angeles Rams

The team that defeated the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.