ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary is retiring after missing the 2025 season with a lower left leg injury.<\/p>\n
The Falcons confirmed the decision<\/a> by McGary, 31. McGary’s agent, Collin Roberts, announced the retirement on social media on Wednesday.<\/p>\n McGary was the No. 31 overall draft pick by the Falcons in 2019. He played in 93 games, including 92 starts, in six seasons.<\/p>\n McGary was regarded as an elite run blocker and began his career protecting quarterback Matt Ryan<\/a>, who is the team’s new president of football.<\/p>\n \u201cI truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,\u201d Ryan said in a statement released by the Falcons. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n McGary’s retirement came as the Falcons opened voluntary offseason workouts<\/a> with new coach Kevin Stefanski.<\/p>\n McGary was carted off the practice field<\/a> with the injury on Aug. 20 last season and was placed on injured reserve. He had been expected to protect the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr.<\/p>\n Penix’s status for the start of the 2026 season is uncertain as he recovers from a torn ACL, leaving newcomer Tua Tagovailoa<\/a> in the spotlight at quarterback.<\/p>\n McGary’s retirement could make right tackle a position of emphasis for Atlanta in the NFL draft and free agency as the Falcons seek protection for the tandem of left-handed quarterbacks.<\/p>\n