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The Carolina Panthers are finalizing a five-year, $100 million deal that includes $63 million guaranteed with former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. Hunt recorded at least one snap at every position on the Dolphins' offensive line except left guard during his four seasons. He primarily played right tackle and right guard, and he started 55 of 67 possible games, with a hamstring injury limiting him to 10 games in 2023. He has won 90.9% of his pass blocks during his career, allowing just 12 sacks in 3,316 snaps. Hunt, who turns 28 in August, was the Dolphins' second-round pick in a productive 2020 draft class that produced six starters, including fellow lineman Austin Jackson, who signed a three-year, $36 million extension with the team in December. New Panthers coach Dave Canales recently said at the NFL combine he was committed to providing quarterback Bryce Young with more interior protection after a rookie season in which the top pick of the 2023 draft was sacked 62 times, second only to Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders with 65. Carolina had to play seven different left guards and eight right guards last season due to injuries and poor play, so Hunt's signing meets an immediate need. The Panthers also are looking to upgrade at center with plans to release starter Bradley Bozeman before he's due a $1.5 million roster bonus on March 16, per league source. Bozeman's eight sacks allowed last season were the most of any qualified center. ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques and David Newton contributed to this report.
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