CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are taking their commitment to keeping the offensive line strong seriously.

The team agreed to terms on a new contract with lineman Brady Christensen Tuesday, bringing back a guy who can start at every position along the line.

A former starting guard, the 28-year-old Christensen started games at left tackle and center last season, proving the versatility that makes him so valuable to the Panthers.

"Brady is well versed at every position," offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said last year. "Brady soaked it all up with the understanding of how all the pieces fit because he's literally played outside in every spot. So, really hats off to Brady, playing center and being able to communicate these things, get us all on the same page."

They have their starting offensive line from last year's opener intact, but Christensen's all-around ability is key.

They agreed to terms on a new deal for center Austin Corbett last Saturday, a day after retaining backup center Cade Mays with a restricted free agent tender. But knowing Christensen can do so many things well made him a target.

"It's definitely different than every other position; there definitely is a learning curve when it comes to that," quarterback Andy Dalton said when Christensen shifted into center when Corbett was injured last year. "But for Brady, the guy's played every position on the line. I think he knows how to get everything lined up and everything set.

"He's a good football player. I'm not going to say he's a good left tackle, guard, guard, center, right tackle. You're going to say he's a good football player, and he can be put into a lot of different positions and succeed. And so I think that has allowed him; I thought he played really well in the game, and he's only going to keep getting better and better because being in that role requires a little bit more of you."