Nearly a year ago, veteran guard Travelle Whartonreturned to Carolina, solidifying a Panthers offensive line that failed to live up to expectations in 2012.
After playing at a Pro Bowl level in his 10th season, Wharton has decided to join longtime left tackle Jordan Gross in walking away from the game on a high note.
Wharton will announce his retirement in a press conference at Panthers training camp on Tuesday.
Wharton had been deliberating since February, which gave general manager Dave Gettlement a chance to add depth on the interior of his offensive line.
Third-round rookie Trai Turner is expected to jump into the lineup at right guard, while left guard Amini Silatolu returns after missing the majority of the 2013 season due to ACL surgery.
That guard pairing at least has early-round pedigrees, which is more than can be said for the tackles. Nate Chandler is a converted defensive end, and Byron Bell has been a liability on the right side.
Although the revamped wide receiver corps was a national talking point all offseason, the offensive line is a bigger concern leading up to the 2014 season.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" offers up team-by-team training camp previews of the NFC East and NFC West.
