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The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other teams has passed, leaving those players with the choice of signing their tender offers or sitting out the offseason program in hopes that their absence will lead to a long-term deal.

Panthers tackle Bryron Bell was in that predicament and chose the first option. Bell has signed his tender, guaranteeing him $2.187 million for the 2014 season.

Bell started at right tackle for the Panthers for most of last season and turned in an inconsistent body of work. With Jordan Gross retiring, the Panthers have floated the idea of moving Bell to the left side this year and coach Ron Rivera has said he thinks a return to his college position might lead to better results.

Bell may get a shot on the left side, but the Panthers are expected to address the tackle spot later this week so there’s probably some competition to come before September rolls around.