The New York Jets are bringing five-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil out of his very short retirement.
The former Carolina Panther will sign a one-year, $8.4 million contract with the Jets, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.
The 34-year-old, two-time All-Pro offensive lineman announced his retirement from the NFL at the end of last season, seemingly finishing his entire 12-year professional career with one team. Now, there’s going to be a second chapter for the former USC Trojan after all.
Rapoport reported on-air Thursday that the conversation between Kalil and the Jets was a seven-week process that was drawn out in order to ensure the decision is the right one for both the player and the organization.
Kalil brings experience to an offensive line which needed a centerpiece. Star running back Le’Veon Bell and second-year quarterback Sam Darnold will now be even-better protected this season.
