The Atlanta Falcons do not have to worry about Kaleb McGary’s future as he is still under contract for one more season. However, with the Los Angeles Rams handing out a massive extension to left tackle Alaric Jackson on Friday. The Falcons must prepare to open up their wallets after the 2025 season.
FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that the Rams signed Jackson to a three-year, $57 million deal with $35 million guaranteed. This was a huge move for Jackson as he was set to become a free agent next month.
It’s been a big day for the #Rams: It started during a meeting with Matthew Stafford that resulted in a new deal to keep him in LA, and now they’ve locked in their franchise LT, Alaric Jackson, on a 3-year, $57M contract. 💰💰💰 https://t.co/GlZ3NYRb5p
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
Even though Jackson and McGary play two different spots on the opposite side of the offensive line, the Falcons know what the going rate could be next offseason.
The 30-year-old McGary is coming off a solid 2024 season where he was outstanding in the run blocking department (77.8), but struggled a little bit in pass protection (63.8). However, McGary only gave up six sacks and was penalized three times in 1,042 offensive snaps.
When you compare McGary’s PFF grades to Jackson’s, you can see why the Rams wanted to get a deal done. Jackson’s pass blocking (79.5) and run blocking (75.9) grades were better than McGary. He only allowed three sacks, but was penalized seven times in 893 offensive snaps.
McGary enters the 2025 season in the last year of his three-year, $34.5 million contract that he signed with the club in Mar. 2023. If he wants to get a third contract from the Falcons and reach the numbers Jackson did, McGary must improve in pass pro next season.
With Michael Penix Jr. being a left-handed, the veteran offensive lineman becomes his blindside protection. Therefore, McGary will be under pressure to keep Penix clean in the pocket.
Spotrac projects McGary's calculated market value as a three-year, $51.8 million deal ($17.3 million average annual salary). If the veteran offensive lineman steps his game in 2025, he could be in store for another pay day.