Byron Bell: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent OT

With an eye toward rectifying one of the team's biggest issues, the Carolina Panthers may soon have a massive hole to fill on their offensive line, as Byron Bell looks poised to hit the open market.    

Continue for updates.

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Panthers Reportedly Won't Re-Sign Bell

Tuesday, Feb. 24

It's no secret that the offensive line was a major concern for the Panthers in 2014. According to Football Outsiders, they ranked 27th in run-blocking and 22nd in pass protection.

The front office has apparently decided that something needs to be done, with Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reporting on Monday the Panthers have declined to re-sign Byron Bell. Bell had earlier posted on Instagram that he was no longer a member of the team, per ESPN.com's David Newton.

The team told Bell he would not be back, according to a report from Steve Reed of the Associated Press on Feb. 24. 

The 26-year-old has spent the last four years in Carolina, starting 56 games during that period. For better or worse, he became a fixture on the O-line.

This move almost certainly means the Panthers will target a left tackle either through the draft or free agency. They pick 25th overall in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.