Mar. 11, 2024 23:08 PM EST

Panthers Upgrade O-Line By Agreeing To Contracts With Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Ap Sources Say

By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
FILE - Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt plays against Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) in the second half of an NFL football gamE, Jan. 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms on a five-year, $100 million contract with free agent guard Hunt that includes $63 million in guaranteed money, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday, March 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File) Wade Payne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE - Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt plays against Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) in the second half of an NFL football gamE, Jan. 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms on a five-year, $100 million contract with free agent guard Hunt that includes $63 million in guaranteed money, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday, March 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers upgraded their offensive line by agreeing to contracts with guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, three people familiar with the deals told The Associated Press on Monday.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the players can’t sign the contracts until the new league year begins Wednesday.

Hunt is getting a five-year, $100 million contract that includes $63 million guaranteed. Lewis is receiving a four-year, $53 million deal that includes $27 million guaranteed over the first two years.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Hunt started 55 games over the past four seasons with the Dolphins. Hunt was a second-round draft pick by Miami in 2020.

Lewis started 61 games for Seattle over four seasons. Carolina also has Austin Corbett, who started 17 games in 2022 and four last year.

The Panthers have undergone major offseason changes throughout the organization, with Dan Morgan taking over as general manager, Dave Canales as coach and Brant Tillis as a salary cap specialist. The roster is expected to see plenty of turnover after the team finished with an NFL-worst 2-15 record.

Adding protection for last year's No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, was a major priority for the Panthers after the offensive line allowed 65 sacks last season, tied for second most in the NFL.

Carolina could be looking for a center if the team decides to release Bradley Bozeman.

The Panthers announced Monday that long snapper J.J. Jansen will return for a record 16th season with the team after signing a one-year contract.

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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

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