Carolina Panthers: Ryan Kalil Re-Signing Adds Stability

Ryan Kalil re-signed with the Carolina Panthers through 2018.

The Carolina Panthers relish consistency in key positions on the roster. In recent years the Panthers found a way to build an effective offensive line, even though many of those slots were in transition. One of the reasons that were possible is due to the impressive tenure of Ryan Kalil. The Panthers rewarded the center with a two-year deal that keeps him with the organization through the 2018 season.

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ESPN reported the extension signing on Monday. The 2016 season is the final year in his previous six-year deal that was initially signed in 2011 that was worth $49 million dollars. The terms of this deal were not released at the time.

Kalil is a big reason for the Panthers’ continued success in the run game. This unit is in the midst of a 100 rushing yards per game streak that dates back to October 12, 2014. With weapons such as Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart running the ball, some would automatically assume they are the catalyst behind this success. However, the offense line and Kalil as their leader continue to excel and overachieve when expectations seem to reach their lowest.

While his name doesn’t appear in box scores nor is he in the spotlight of many highlight videos, Kalil is a vital member to the Panthers’ offensive front. Since being drafted in 2007 he’s earned five Pro Bowl appointments and is a two-time first team All-Pro. What’s more important is that Kalil rarely misses any games, adding to the stability that is needed to build a successful offensive line.

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Getting this new deal done continues the story in which the Panthers are actively working to keep many of their veterans, even though some of them may be past their prime. Mike Tolbert and Charles Johnson were both re-signed to restructured deals that keep them on the roster, even though the Panthers could have potentially found younger talent elsewhere and more money was available with other teams. Kalil was in a similar position and signing this new contract allows him to continue to build his legacy as one of the most important players in franchise history.

“I think it’s something that a lot of guys start thinking about toward the end of their career, where they’re gonna finish,” Kalil said in the ESPN piece “And for this organization to give me that opportunity to finish my career here means the world to me. And I couldn’t imagine finishing my career in a better place than this franchise.”

Keeping Ryan Kalil in a Panthers uniform adds the stability that will benefit this offense across the board. Newton is in a critical position in his career coming off of his 2015 MVP campaign. Kalil and Newton have an important player relationship that should not be changed. The same can be said about Kalil’s place as a member of the offensive line that bolsters the rushing game and protects Newton on every down. Kalil is a central piece to one of the most consistent units in the NFL and keeping Kalil on the roster helps that momentum continue into the upcoming season.

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