Hungry for help on the offensive line, the New York Jets added Ryan Kalil, a USC alum and five-time Pro Bowler.
The New York Jets have agreed to terms veteran center Ryan Kalil. The team confirmed the addition on Thursday afternoon.
We've agreed to terms with C Ryan Kalil.
? https://t.co/DOiGicI59B pic.twitter.com/IGIyoQ9s0H
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 1, 2019
Kalil, 34, retired shortly after the conclusion of the 2018 NFL season after a dozen seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He had joined Carolina as a second-round pick (59th overall) in 2007.
The USC alum went on to become one of the most prolific blockers in Panthers history. He would go on to play 148 games (145) starts) and reach five Pro Bowl squads, as well as two first-team All-Pro teams.
Pro Football Reference has Kalil ranked as the sixth-best player (and best offensive lineman) in terms of the site’s Approximate Value stat in franchise history.
Kalil also appeared in eight playoff games, including three on the Panthers’ trek to Super Bowl 50. While he started all 16 games last season, Kalil did deal with respective shoulder and neck injuries in the two years prior.
The signing is pending only on a physical, which Kalil will take prior to signing an official deal.
Other centers on the Jets’ roster include veteran Jonotthan Harrison and first-year rookie Jon Toth.