NFL: Center Ryan Kalil comes out of retirement to join New York Jets

Center Ryan Kalil has decided to come out of retirement and join the New York Jets on a one-year contract. The news was first reported Thursday by the NFL Network. The team later confirmed the transaction.

The contract is believed to be worth as much as $8.4 million, with a good portion of it coming from incentives. Kalil made $7.5 million last season with Carolina, and announced his retirement following the final game.

The 34-year-old had spent his entire 12-year career with the Carolina Panthers. Last season, he played all 16 games following two injury-shortened seasons. He suffered a serious neck injury in 2017.

The center is scheduled to take a physical Friday at New York's practice facility and could be on the field with the team by Saturday.

Kalil has been named to five Pro Bowls and was also twice named first-team All-Pro. He is expected to represent a major upgrade on the Jets' offensive line and provide needed experience and stability for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold.

The Jets reportedly contacted Kalil a few weeks ago to assess his interest in coming out of retirement. They believe he could provide a substantial role in the growth of Darnold, the USC product who is still learning the system of first-year coach Adam Gase.

In an effort to replace Kalil, the Panthers signed free agent Matt Paradis, who the Jets also pursued before landing Kalil.

The signing of Kalil marks the first significant acquisition for the team under new general manager Joe Douglas, who was hired in June.

On Monday, Gase publicly supported incumbent center Jonotthan Harrison, noting he and Darnold were developing solid camaraderie.

"They've done a really good job of taking control of the offense and really kind of putting their spin on it. The communication is outstanding between those two," Gase said.

Harrison, who has 26 career NFL starts at center, told the media throughout the summer his goal was to be the starting center on opening day. But Kalil, who has 145 career starts, is now the likely front-runner for the job.

The Jets currently have 100/1 odds to win the Super Bowl, tied for the third biggest longshot on the board.