Falcons To Release DT Grady Jarrett

Grady Jarrett‘s time with the Falcons is coming to an end. The two-time Pro Bowler is being released, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.

The Falcons had been linked to exploring a Jarrett separation, initially via trade, and the cap-strapped team will move forward with a release. The Falcons will save more than $16MM by dropping Jarrett, their longest-tenured defender.

Atlanta had extended Jarrett — on a three-year, $49.5MM deal — in 2022 but saw him suffer an ACL tear in October 2023. Although Jarrett returned for the 2024 season on time, he totaled just 2.5 sacks. His 12 QB hits were also south of the prime-years production that landed a fifth-round success story two Falcons extensions. Ahead of Jarrett’s age-32 season, a Falcons team that entered Monday over the cap will move on.

Atlanta (again) has major questions to answer regarding its pass rush. Even with Jarrett in the lineup, the Falcons ranked 31st in sacks (31) last season. The team also has let Matt Judon and Lorenzo Carter hit the market. Former second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie remains on the roster, but Raheem Morris‘ team has work to do both up front and at outside linebacker this offseason.

Garrett’s exit will leave only Jake Matthews, whom the Falcons extended Sunday night, remaining from the team’s Super Bowl LI roster. Jarrett’s three sacks that night put him on the map, and the Falcons eventually paid him twice. After a four-year, $68MM extension, Jarrett earned a three-year, $49.5MM pact. After not being allowed to play out that contract, Jarrett will be heading elsewhere for the first time in his NFL career.

This transaction will move the Falcons into the black for cap space, but they still should be considered likely to make other roster adjustments to create room, as defensive needs are widespread going into Morris’ second season as a full-time Falcons HC.