According to John McClain at the Houston Chronicle, the Texans have signed former Panthers offensive tackle Matt Kalil.
Kalil was released by Carolina last week. The move cost the team $14.7 million in dead money but will free up a significant amount of cap space after June 1 when his contract comes off the books. According to Over the Cap, they’ll save $7.25 million for 2019.
Kalil only lasted two seasons into his five-year, $55 million deal signed under former general manager Dave Gettleman. His tenure with the Panthers was punctuated by inconsistent play and injuries, as it had been for the Vikings before. Kalil was the lowest-graded offensive player on Carolina’s roster in 2017 according to Pro Football Focus and missed the entire 2018 season on injured reserve.
Houston’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season and allowed more sacks on Deshaun Watson than any other quarterback, with 62. Kalil may or may not actually help the Texans turn that around, but at least he adds another name to their rotation.
