CHARLOTTE – Offensive tackle Matt Kalil, a former Pro Bowler and the younger brother of perennial Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil, has signed a five-year contract to join his brother in Carolina.

"We went through a lengthy evaluation process, including exhaustive film study, and Matt's got everything we're looking for at the left tackle position," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "Matt's an all-around great player with ability as a run blocker and pass protector. He can play with power and aggressiveness and he has the toughness and competitiveness we expect from our offensive linemen. He will work with a great duo of offensive line coaches in John Matsko and Ray Brown who I know will maximize his talents. We're just really excited about being able to add him."

The fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Vikings, Kalil became an unrestricted free agent when the fifth-year option on his rookie contract expired at the end of the league year. Kalil started every game at left tackle his first four seasons and the first two games last season before a hip injury ended his year.

Matt Kalil was a Pro Bowler as a rookie, when he helped Adrian Peterson amass the second-most rushing yards in NFL history with 2,097. Ryan Kalil is a five-time Pro Bowler selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 2007 draft.

The Panthers entered free agency with their left tackle situation in flux, with starter Michael Oher spending the final 13 games of 2016 in the concussion protocol. General manager Dave Gettleman said at the recent NFL Scouting Combine that Oher remains in the protocol, though head coach Ron Rivera said Oher has been around the team facility more of late.

In addition, right tackle Mike Remmers, who filled in for Oher, signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Vikings.