CHARLOTTE – On the first day of the franchise tag period, the Panthers made sure to get at least one offensive lineman under contract.
The Panthers signed tackle Trent Scott to a one-year deal Tuesday, providing at least some depth and a known commodity at a position that lacked much of either.
Scott started four games at left tackle last year while starter Russell Okung was out with injuries.
During one of those sub stints, head coach Matt Rhule referred to Scott as "one of the most positive developments we've had this year."
Scott had started 10 games in his first two years for the Chargers (where he played under now-Panthers offensive line coach Pat Meyer). The former undrafted rookie from Grambling was claimed off waivers by the Panthers last September.
He was scheduled to be a restricted free agent.
The Panthers could tag right tackle Taylor Moton at any point in the next two weeks, and likely will if they can't agree on a long-term deal by then. Otherwise, center Matt Paradis is the only starting lineman from last year under contract.
