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The Falcons have received troubling updates on two offensive linemen this week, including RT Kaleb McGary, who they extended just two and a half weeks ago.<\/p>\n
Legendary Atlanta Falcons<\/a> right tackle Kaleb McGary<\/a> has announced he is retiring from the NFL at the age of 31. He suffered a severe knee injury that kept him out for the entirety of the 2025 season, but this is shocking news for Falcons fans.<\/p>\n Kaleb McGary\u2019s agent broke the news for the offensive lineman. McGary is a 6-6, 330-pound offensive tackle who played six seasons with the Falcons after being drafted by the team in 2019.<\/p>\n More NFL on Heavy: Falcons Meet with 6-foot-6, 260-Pound Edge Rusher as Potential <\/a>James Pearce<\/a> Jr. Replacement Ahead of NFL Draft<\/p>\n NFL World Reacts to Kaleb McGary Retirement Announcement Todd Kirkland\/GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 29: Kaleb McGary #76 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints<\/a> at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n As the news is breaking rapidly, here are some reactions across the NFL landscape regarding Kaleb McGary\u2019s retirement:<\/p>\n @Football Forever:<\/a>BREAKING: Falcons RT Kaleb McGary announced his retirement from the NFL after six seasons. McGary, 31, appeared in 93 career games and made 92 starts for the Falcons. The Falcons selected McGary with the 31st overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n @falconflybbu:<\/a> Kaleb McGary really just retired. That hurts but it\u2019s been a journey. I remember they thought he would never play because of his heart condition. He had an impressive career. Forever a Falcon, Kaleb McGary!<\/p>\n @Kyle Pitts\u2019 Burner:<\/a> Kaleb McGary retires. Big hole at right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. We gotta do better. The RT position for the Falcons was one of the most penalized in the league. I say draft OL with the second rounder in the NFL draft.\u201d<\/p>\n @Kevin Knight:<\/a> Upon Kaleb McGary\u2019s retirement, the #Falcons<\/a> should receive roughly $14M in salary cap space in both 2026 and 2027. We\u2019ll see if Atlanta asks McGary to repay the signing bonus proration for 2026 and 2027, but as it\u2019s only $3M total, I doubt it.<\/p>\n What\u2019s Next for Falcons After Kaleb McGary News?<\/p>\n This, like one of the reactions mentioned, leaves a big hole for the Falcons on the offensive line.<\/p>\n This Kaleb McGary news could force the Falcons to completely reshape their NFL draft strategy.<\/p>\n With pick No.48 in the second round being Atlanta\u2019s first selection, the new front office regime may want to consider taking a tackle with that pick.<\/p>\n Dominant offensive linemen like Kaleb McGary don\u2019t grow on trees, and not many of them are dependable either.<\/p>\n McGary\u2019s 2025 injury likely gave him a much deeper outlook on his football career, but he previously started 92 of 93 potential games over his six-year NFL career.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a big (and shocking) loss for the Falcons. Atlanta may have known his foot was halfway out the door, but it\u2019s kind of a tough time in the NFL season cycle to have a big retirement like this.<\/p>\n GettyATLANTA, GA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 15: Kaleb McGary #76 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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