Jets Bring Center Ryan Kalil Out of Retirement

During the off-season one of the major sticking points between New York Jets head coach Adam Gase and former General Manager Mike Maccagnan was the center position. Gase wanted to improve it by signing Matt Paridis, but Maccagnan was happy with incumbent Jonotthan Harrison.

You can guess who won out.

In his first major move as general manager since taking over for Maccagnan, Joe Douglas got the Jets what the desperately needed: a center. The Jets agreed to a one-year $8.4 million deal with Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil, considered to be one of the best centers in the sport before he retired at the end of last season.

With the Carolina Panthers, Kalil made the Pro Bowl five times, leading the protection for quarterback Cam Newton. His work in the middle helped guide the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance four seasons ago in Super Bowl 50.

While he is 34-years of age, it is a no risk move here by the Jets. They needed to improve the position, and Kalil gives them the veteran leadership they desperately need. His will be a huge mentor and safety valve for quarterback Sam Darnold, and will provide steady leadership for the rest of the offensive line.

Consider this as a one-year security blanket until the Jets truly define their long term plans at center in the 2020 Draft or in next year's free agency.

This does not mean that the Jets are going to give up on Harrison. He certainly still has a chance to start, and he will be important to the teams success this year, even if he doesn't start. The Jets just needed a veteran in the worst way possible.