On Wednesday morning, Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement through social media. It appears the move was not a shock to the franchise, as they already signed his replacement.
Atlanta signed veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year, $5 million contract on Wednesday afternoon.
After the news surfaced, Falcons’ President of Football Operations and former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan expressed how much the offensive lineman meant to the organization, per the Athletic’s Josh Kendall.
“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Ryan said in a statement. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”
Ryan and McGary played together from 2019 through the 2021 season.
McGary was a mainstay on the Atlanta offensive line. He started 92 games over six seasons with the Falcons. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old tackle missed all of the 2025 season, dealing with a knee injury sustained on the final day of training camp.
As the right tackle, he was slated to defend the blindside of lefty quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and possibly Tua Tagovailoa, depending on who wins the starting job.
Atlanta previously signed McGary to a 2-year, $30 million contract last summer. The Falcons will be able to recoup some of that money with his retirement. His backup, Storm Norton, also missed last season due to injury. Knowing his uncertainty, amidst the news of McGary’s retirement, put the Falcons in a place of need on the offensive line.
Taylor, like McGary, was selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. While the former was a late first-round pick, Taylor was a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After four seasons in Florida, he moved onto Kansas City. He helped protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside, and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy twice.
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