The Falcons have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who will likely take over for Kaleb McGary, who announced his retirement on Wednesday. Kevin C. Cox and Jamie Squire / Getty Images
April 8, 2026Updated 5:03 pm EDT
The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line got a surprising realignment on Wednesday afternoon with the announcement of right tackle Kaleb McGary’s retirement and the subsequent news that the team has agreed to a free-agent deal with another veteran tackle, Jawaan Taylor.
Taylor, 28, who agreed to terms with Atlanta on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports, was a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and played the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Taylor has started 111 games in the NFL, primarily at right tackle. He reportedly agreed to a deal worth $5 million.
The Falcons currently have tackles Storm Norton, Michael Jerrell and Jack Nelson on the roster. Norton is a six-year veteran with 22 career starts, but he also missed all of the 2025 season due to a leg injury. Nelson was the team’s seventh-round draft pick in 2025.
McGary, 31, the 31st pick of the 2019 draft, was a mainstay at right tackle for Atlanta over the first six seasons of his career but missed all of 2025 due to a knee injury he suffered during the preseason. He started 92 games at right tackle for Atlanta.
“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Falcons president of football and former quarterback Matt 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.”
McGary’s departure comes as a surprise, as he was in the building earlier this year rehabbing his injury. In addition to the Taylor signing, the Falcons could consider drafting a starting-caliber tackle with the No. 48 pick, their first selection in the draft. Atlanta considered moving left guard Matthew Bergeron to right tackle last year when McGary was injured just days before the start of the season.
Apr 8, 2026
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