Former Vikings lineman Matt Kalil not doing too hot in Carolina so far

After spending his first five NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, the offensive lineman is struggling with his new team in Carolina this season.

Following the 2012 NFL season, it seemed like the Minnesota Vikings had made a great decision to select USC left tackle Matt Kalil with the fourth pick in the 2012 draft.

In his rookie year, Kalil was a part of the Vikings’ offensive line that played a big part in Adrian Peterson rushing for over 2,000 yards and being name the league’s MVP. And for his efforts, the rookie left tackle was awarded with a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Fast forward to 2017 and Kalil is now a member of the Carolina Panthers.

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After his impressive rookie season in Minnesota back in 2012, he was never able to perform at that high of a level during his next four years with the team. Injuries forced Kalil to miss 14 games in 2016 and he became a free-agent following the conclusion of the season.

Instead of returning to Minnesota, the left tackle opted to sign a five-year, $55 million deal with the Panthers this offseason and join an offensive line group that features his brother, Ryan.

At first, it seemed like a good idea for the former Vikings left tackle to get a fresh start somewhere else. But Carolina is quickly learning why Minnesota did not chase after Kalil once he walked out the door this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Vikings’ new left tackle, Riley Reiff, has been playing outstanding for them so far this year.

It seems pretty safe to say that Minnesota is much better off with Rieff protecting their quarterback’s blindside than they were with Kalil. At least that is the case through the first three weeks of the season.

Next: Vikings to face a rookie QB in Week 5?

Some felt that the Vikings possibly made a mistake this offseason by not re-signing Kalil. But no one is thinking that way anymore.