Carolina Panthers NFL Trade Rumors: Panthers Target Matt Kalil
After missing most of the 2016 season with a hip injury, offensive tackle Matt Kalil is back and raring to play. The Minnesota Vikings want to re-sign him this offseason, but they are going to face some competition for his signature.
According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Carolina Panthers are also interested in Kalil and he will get to play with his brother, Ryan, if he signs with them.
Last week, Kalil's father, Frank, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press his son is 100 percent healthy right now, and there's nothing to worry about. "He's really doing well. He looks great. He's ready to rock and roll. He's back up to his game weight. He's lifting weights. He's doing all the right things," he said during the interview. "They fixed it pretty well. He's more flexible. I think he's going to play only better," he continued.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Of course, fathers are expected to help out their sons by saying all the right things, but Kalil should be ready to play by now.
The Panthers are reportedly targeting Russell Okung and some of their players have been actively recruiting him. Well, Ryan Kalil isn't one of the players who are trying to convince Okung to sign with the team. That's not going to happen. Not with his brother available in the free agent market. Ryan is also coming back from a shoulder injury that limited him to eight games last season.
Adding another Kalil to the team is certainly interesting. A lot of observers believe he is a realistic target for the Panthers, but many believe Okung is their first choice.
The Panthers will have to act fast if they are seriously considering teaming him up with his brother because reports say the Vikings have already offered Kalil a three-year, $28-million deal with bonuses.
