Falcons Make Risky Bet on Inconsistent Starter With Latest Contract Extension

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) poses with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76), guard Chris Lindstrom (63), center Drew Dalman (67), guard Matthew Bergeron (65), offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) and tight end Charlie Woerner (89) after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) poses with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76), guard Chris Lindstrom (63), center Drew Dalman (67), guard Matthew Bergeron (65), offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) and tight end Charlie Woerner (89) after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons made league headlines on Monday by extending the contract of right tackle Kaleb McGary. The deal is for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, keeping the tackle locked up for two additional seasons.

Spending $30 million on the two-year extension isn't a bad move, but one that isn't free of risk. Before looking at the obvious risks, let's consider how wise a move this has a chance to be. McGary is an incredible run blocker and has shown improvement in protecting the quarterback. This move locks up Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom, and McGary for the next three seasons.

Falcons Make a Risky Decision Extending Kaleb McGary

Michael Penix Jr. is going to have incredible stability as he attempts to make the leap to establishing himself as a franchise quarterback. Not only do you have the offensive line now locked into place, but the Falcons have a treasure trove of weapons. While Tyler Allgeier and Kyle Pitts are both on expiring contracts, the expected departure of Kirk Cousins will open up enough cap space to reload. The McGary signing doesn't change much for Atlanta's offensive ceiling, but it gives them the chance for continuity.

McGary being extended is risky in the fact that we've often seen the tackle appear to forget what is going on. One moment, McGary's protection is perfect, and the next, he can't even block the air in front of him. The tackle has these moments where his footwork and focus appear to fall off a cliff. Do this with the right edge rusher, and you're putting Penix at major risk. The up-and-down nature of McGary's career makes this signing a bit risky. Still, considering the price the Falcons paid, it is hard to argue against the decision.

You're paying what appears to be below market value for a player whose ceiling would have him in the $20-25 million annual range. It has a chance to be a bargain, but the deal is low enough to escape if things were to implode. Add in the presence of Storm Norton, who is a proven depth player, and the Falcons are in a great position when it comes to the offensive line.

If Penix is who the Falcons believe the star to be, Atlanta is going to be a 2025 playoff team. All adding up to the McGary extension being the right decision despite the risk. The Falcons understand the position the tackle is in and the dangers of the price shooting up based on the season ahead. Now, the team can sit back and focus its efforts on deciding the future of key skill players who are quickly approaching the end of their respective deals.

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