To say the Carolina Panthers are struggling a bit at the left tackle position would be an understatement.
Their precarious situation began to show up in the wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams when starter Ikeme Ekwonu ruptured his knee tendon on the second offensive series. As of two weeks ago, the Panthers had not publicly determined a return timetable for the former sixth overall pick, who enters the 2026 campaign with a fifth-year option.
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Carolina could be dealt another blow Wednesday night when swing tackle Yosh Nijman announced his retirement from the NFL. The Panthers are reportedly interested in re-signing Niemann, Ekwonu’s backup the past two seasons.
So far, the team’s only addition at the position is five-year veteran Stone Forsythe — who is one of the worst prospects at left tackle in 2025, at least statistically.
But luckily for the Panthers, it’s still early.
Here are four potential free-agent solutions to their unexpected conundrum. . .
Brady Christensen
Christensen is one of Carolina’s remaining free agents and was the top left tackle in the country when he was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. While the Panthers have viewed the 6-foot-6, 300-pounder more as an interior lineman at various times, he’s proven he’s capable of moving back to the edge. . . As long as he recovers from a torn Achilles, his effectiveness will be limited.
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The 29-year-old can be trusted to play 123 snaps at left tackle in 2024 under head coach Dave Canales. Additionally, he offers incredible versatility at every position on the defensive line, including center — another starting role the team has yet to firmly solidify.
Tyler Decker
Decker requested his release from the Lions earlier this week after spending a full decade in Detroit. It was approved, leaving one of the league’s most reliable blindside protectors on the open market.
The 31-year-old former first-round pick had just two sacks in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Cam Robinson
Similar to Decker, Robinson has been at left tackle for a long time. However, he’s coming off perhaps his most uninspiring career to date, in which he had a career-high eight sacks while posting a career-low 48.2 points on PFF’s overall offense.
But maybe Robinson can regain his footing on a prove-it deal in Carolina.
Rasheed Walker
Walker is considered by many to be the top remaining player among all free agents. Therefore, there is no doubt that the 26-year-old star will receive a relatively generous contract.
While they may have cashed out after investing heavily in linebackers Jaylan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, Carolina could consider paying for Walker in some way. If he remains idle over the next few days, perhaps he can be reeled in at the right price.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 remaining solutions for LT Panthers
