Panthers Set Left Tackle Battle Between Rookie Monroe Freeling and Veteran Rasheed Walker

Overview

• GM Dan Morgan confirmed Tuesday on NFL Network that first-rounder Monroe Freeling and free-agent signee Rasheed Walker will compete to start at left tackle in Week 1.
• Morgan called Freeling the future at the position after drafting him 18th overall, and Walker arrived on a one-year deal after 48 starts at left tackle for Green Bay from 2023 to 2025.
• Incumbent Ikem Ekwonu is rehabbing a torn patellar tendon with no set return date, and Morgan said his progress could put him back in the mix by midseason.
• Carolina also plans a contest at center, where veteran Luke Fortner will face rookie Sam Hecht for the job after Cade Mays departed in free agency.
• The moves stockpile tackle depth and versatility to protect Young, with Taylor Moton set on the right side and big-ticket guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis anchoring the interior.