Matt Kalil Rumored to Sign Contract with Panthers, Join Brother Ryan Kalil

Offensive tackle Matt Kalil is expected to sign with the Carolina Panthers when NFL free agency opens Thursday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the former Minnesota Vikings No. 4 overall draft pick will join his brother—center Ryan Kalil—provided there are no snags in final negotiations.

The 27-year-old Kalil started 64 of a possible 64 games at left tackle in his first four seasons with the Vikes out of USC, but he appeared in just two contests last season due to a hip injury.

Kalil's father, Frank Kalil, recently told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that his son is now "100 percent healthy," however.

If the Panthers sign Kalil, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that it will likely result in Michael Oher shifting to right tackle. 

Kalil was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012, but Andy Benoit of Sports Illustrated believes he has failed to take the next step since then:

Joining the Panthers could be a positive move for him, though, since he will be under the tutelage of his brother.

Ryan Kalil is a five-time Pro Bowler who is widely regarded as one of the NFL's elite centers as well as the leader of Carolina's offensive line.

The Panthers also have a great deal of continuity along the offensive line, which means the younger Kalil could be aided by joining a group that returns four starters in Ryan Kalil, Oher, Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, with last year's right tackle, Mike Remmers, set to hit free agency.