C Ryan Kalil, a 2-time first team All-Pro and 5-time Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers, has announced that he's coming out of retirement and joining the New York Jets. Kalil, 34, retired at the end of last season after spending his entire 12-year career with the Panthers. He started in all 16 regular season games last year but missed a total 18 games in 2016 and 2017. Kalil has agreed to sign a one year deal worth $8.4M with the Gang Green and if he stays healthy, it's a major upgrade to the shaky Jets offensive line.
The Jets had C Jonotthan Harrison projected as their starter but now he will be obviously relegated to a backup role, as Kalil becomes the starter. Kalil's presence and vast experience definitely should help development of QB Sam Darnold.
This is also the first significant acquisition for general manager Joe Douglas, who was hired in June. The Jets also tried to land a free agent center in the offseason, as they showed interest in Matt Paradis.