Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Bell has hopefully started his last game as a Carolina Panther.

It was a frustrating, stressful season for Cam Newton under center, and a good portion of the blame goes to the lack of talent at the left tackle position. As much as I don’t want to see Bell at LT, I know that it’s not completely his fault. The guy has never played a full season at the second-most important position on offense.

Yes, Bell was in over his head, but it was a gamble that many were comfortable with, back in August. Fast-forward to January and the left tackle position is still vacant, awaiting a talented player to protect the franchise quarterback.

As the offseason of 2015 envelops us, the question of who will be protecting Newton’s blind side is at the forefront of most people’s concerns. Some would like to address it sooner, rather than later in the NFL Draft. Others, are banking on a free agent acquisition to cement the final hole in the offensive line.

Though the free agency market is pretty dry, there are three names that make a lot of sense.