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Falcons Replace Retiring Kaleb McGary With One-Year Deal for RT Jawaan Taylor

Right tackle becomes a blindside priority for Atlanta’s left-handed quarterbacks, with the short deal pointing to a bridge plan into the draft.

Overview

  • Kaleb McGary, 31, retired Wednesday after missing 2025 with a lower left leg injury, with agent Collin Roberts announcing the move and the Falcons confirming it.
  • Hours after Wednesday’s news, Atlanta agreed to a one-year contract with Jawaan Taylor worth $5 million plus $1 million in incentives, according to his agents and ESPN.
  • Taylor is expected to compete for the starting job at right tackle, a spot that protects the blindside for left-handed passers Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
  • The 28-year-old Taylor has 111 career starts and a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs, though he drew a league-high 49 penalties in 45 Kansas City games before a cap-saving release.
  • Reporting in local coverage says McGary’s exit could free roughly $14 million in cap space in 2026 and 2027 with about $3 million in dead money, which gives Atlanta short-term flexibility as it weighs tackle options in a draft with limited early picks.