CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers began retooling the offensive line depth on Friday by re-signing a familiar face.
Carolina signed guard Amini Silatolu, the team’s second-round pick in 2012, to a one-year deal.
Silatolu did not play last season after being released by the Chicago Bears just before the season opener. From 2012 to 2015, Silatolu played in 34 games for Carolina and started 28, including 15 at left guard as a rookie.
His first tour with the Panthers ended when he tore the ACL in his left knee in the second half of a Nov. 22, 2015 game against Washington.
Knee injuries in 2013 and 2014 also hampered Silatolu’s career. When healthy, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman out of Midwestern State University played well.
Injuries decimated Carolina’s line last season. At one point, only only starting left guard Andrew Norwell was in the same position at which he began the season.
Look for Silatolu to be the first of many moves on the line as free agency approaches. The Panthers still aren’t certain about the future of left tackle Michael Oher, who missed the final 13 games this past season with a concussion.
Mike Remmers, who moved from the right to left side to replace Oher, is an unrestricted free agent. Guard/tackle/center Chris Scott also is a free agent and Norwell is a restricted free agent.
Also expect the Panthers to be active with free agents from other teams. Minnesota left tackle Matt Kalil, the brother of Carolina center Ryan Kalil, is one possibility.
