The Carolina Panthers are retaining the services of center Austin Corbett, confirming that they've struck a one-year agreement with the veteran lineman, who was on the brink of becoming a free agent; the team disclosed this development Saturday.

With the prospect of free agency looming, had a deal not been reached Corbett could have begun negotiations with other teams as of Monday, according to the QC News, which also reports that Cade Mays is set to remain a backup center for the team now that the middle of the depth chart appears secured, Corbett joined the Panthers in 2022 and since then, has contributed significantly to their offensive line, which last season ranked 5th in rush attempts and 11th in sacks allowed.

Following a biceps injury that cut his previous season short, Corbett has made a full recovery and is expected to participate in the offseason programs, team officials have indicated, Corbett's trajectory has seen him evolve from a starting guard for the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he clinched a Super Bowl title, to a starting center for the Panthers following the acquisition of Pro Bowl lineman Robert Hunt last offseason, as originally reported by the Charlotte Observer.

In a move perhaps signaling the Panthers' faith in Corbett's resilience and capability, the team and Corbett agreed to delay the void date on his prior contract to March 11, thus allowing extra time for their extension discussions, this negotiation strategy indicated a mutual interest in prolonging the partnership beyond the typical frenzy of free agency, per NFL Trade Rumors, Pro Football Focus had graded Corbett as the No. 18 center out of 35 qualifiers before he sustained his last injury.