NFL free agency 2022: Panthers pursuing Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown, per report

Carolina has clearly made the offensive line a priority this offseason

The Carolina Panthers are looking to make yet another offensive line addition, as they are pursuing Seattle Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown, per ESPN's David Newton. The five-time Pro Bowler is a free agent, and could embrace a change of scenery at 36 years old.

Brown has spent the last five seasons with the Seahawks after spending the previous 10 seasons with the Houston Texans, who selected him with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Virginia Tech product registered a 71.5 PFF grade in 2021, and earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time since 2017.

The Panthers may not know what quarterback will be starting for them in 2022, but they do know he will have better protection. Carolina has made some underrated additions in free agency, signing the versatile Austin Corbett from the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, and center Bradley Bozeman formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. 

The Panthers allowed 52 sacks in 2021, which ranked fifth-most in the NFL. The lack of protection clearly affected Sam Darnold and Cam Newton, as Carolina finished in last place in the division with a 5-12 record. Bringing in a legitimate left tackle who is a three-time All-Pro could bring some stability to an offense that desperately needs it with questions about the quarterback and head coach looming.