Ryan Kalil becomes highest-paid center in NFL history

The Panthers went into the offseason with an apparent goal in mind: lock up all of their premier talent. After handing over lucractive extensions to Charles Johnson and DeAngelo Williams in the last month, the ‘Cats made another move Friday — this time it’s one for the record books.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers signed Ryan Kalil to a six-year, $49 million deal, including $28 million in guarantees. The new pact makes Kalil the richest center in league history.

Previously the team’s franchise player, Kalil was set to earn $10.2 million this season under his tag designation.

Kalil was Carolina’s second-round selection in 2007, and has blossomed into one of the top-tier players at his position. Since stepping into the starting lineup in 2008, Kalil has yet to miss a game and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons.

Only 26-years-old and barely into his prime, Kalil should get used to snapping the ball to quarterback Cam Newton as that duo will be together for at least the next half decade.

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