Matt Kalil Is, Apparently, 100% Healthy

The free agent signing period in the National Football League is set to get underway on Thursday (9 March) at 3:00 PM Central time. While the Minnesota Vikings are expected to get deep into the market at offensive line, there remains the possibility that they could turn to a familiar face at the left tackle position. . .and, apparently, he’s completely healthy and ready to go.

Yes, my friends. . .brace yourselves for the possibility that the purple and gold could, once again, be bringing offensive tackle Matt Kalil back into the fold.

Kalil was the 4th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Southern Cal, and had started 66 consecutive games for the Vikings before going out for the season in Week 2 of last year. He had an outstanding rookie season, even getting named to the Pro Bowl for his efforts, and after that fell completely off the map. He played out last year under his fifth-year option, which cost the Vikings $11.5 million.

According to his father, Kalil is completely healthy after having surgery on his hip last season.

“He’s 100 percent healthy now,’’ his father, Frank Kalil said, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “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’s also, apparently, the first guy in the gym and the last guy to go home, which is all a part of him just taking things one day at a time.

(Think we’ve reached our cliche quota for this one. Let’s move on.)

I wouldn’t necessarily be a huge fan of bringing Kalil back after his performance over the past couple of seasons. However, if the Vikings go hard after players like Baltimore’s Ricky Wagner or Cincinnati’s Kevin Zeitler in free agency to fill those spots on the offensive line, the Vikings might look into bringing Kalil back. While there are some solid offensive linemen available in free agency, there isn’t a deep group at the left tackle spot (particularly if Andrew Whitworth chooses to re-sign with Cincinnati), and so Kalil could wind up being the best option available.

Yes, we’d all hate it, but there’s a distinct chance that it’s the best option available.

Over the next few days, I’m sure there will be all sorts of rumors being bandied about as to who the Minnesota Vikings might be interested in signing this free agency period. Feel free to add this one to the pile.