Ryan Kalil is not done with football yet, apparently. The former Panthers center has reversed his decision to retire from the NFL and will be signing with the Jets, according to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.
Kalil was a second-round pick by Carolina in 2007. He played 148 regular season games for the Panthers over the next 12 years, earning five Pro Bowl nominations and two first-team All Pro nods.
Kalil said 2018 would be his last season going back quite a while, so this one comes as a huge surprise. He has since been replaced on Carolina’s roster by former Broncos center Matt Paradis, who should prove to be an upgrade as long as he can stay healthy.
At the start of this coming season, Kalil will be 34 years old.
Update:
The Jets have announced the move.
Ryan’s younger brother Matt was released by the Panthers earlier this offseason for cap savings. He is now competing to start at left tackle for the Texans.
