The Falcons are retaining a key piece on their offensive line. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta has agreed to a deal with offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.
As Rapoport notes on Twitter, it appeared that the offensive lineman was heading elsewhere. However, the Falcons continued to negotiate with the lineman, and the two sides ultimately agreed to a new deal.
That new deal is a three-year pact worth $34.5MM, according to Rapoport. This is a significant deal when compared to some of the deals signed by other top free agent linemen. Jawaan Taylor inked a four-year, $80MM deal with the Chiefs, while Mike McGlinchey received a five-year, $87.5MM deal from the Broncos.
Last year at this time, it was uncertain if McGary would even be able to secure a multiyear deal. The former first-round pick had his fifth-year option declined, making him a free agent this offseason. With free agency coming a year early, McGary showed up in a big way. After grading out as a below-average offensive tackle through his first three seasons in the NFL, he finished fourth among 81 qualifying offensive tackles in 2022, per PFF. This included the league’s second-best mark in run blocking.
Now, he’ll have a chance to build off his breakout season without having to make an offseason move to a new squad. The new contract will keep him in Atlanta through the 2025 season.
Soooo .. brought back their line. Signed some DT, pass rushing depth (not great, but better than before), and a top five safety among other things.
Falcons really can be an open book on the draft it looks like.