The Atlanta Falcons received shocking news on Wednesday, when veteran starting right tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement through his agent, Collin Roberts. McGary, 31, has started nearly every game for the Falcons since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He suffered a major, season-ending injury before the 2025 NFL season, shortly after signing an extension through 2027.
McGary was a stalwart of what had been a very good offensive line in Atlanta over the previous two seasons. His presence on the right side was sorely missed in 2025, and the Falcons were forced to turn to reserve guard Elijah Wilkinson all season. Swing tackle Storm Norton also ended up missing the entire season due to an injury suffered in the summer.
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The Falcons expected Kaleb McGary to return to training camp to once again bolster the right side of the offensive line. In McGary’s absence, the Falcons now have a desperate need for a starting right tackle. With Wilkinson leaving in free agency for the Arizona Cardinals, the job now falls back into Storm Norton’s hands. Norton has played an admirable role when called upon, but stepping in as a full-time starter has fared poorly throughout his career.
Offensive tackle immediately rises to the top of Atlanta’s offseason needs. With free agency behind us and no first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Falcons’ options to replace McGary are extremely limited. A temporary solution will likely be needed for the season, and I expect the team to take a close look at the free agents and veterans available on the trade market.
Please join us in wishing McGary the best in the next stage of his career.