Falcons Right Tackle Kaleb McGary Retires After Injury

31-year-old missed 2025 season with lower leg injury

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric shapes and planes of a football offensive line, rendered in navy blue, red, and white tones to capture the disruption caused by the loss of a key player.The retirement of Falcons veteran right tackle Kaleb McGary leaves a hole on the offensive line that the team must address through the draft or free agency.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary, a 2019 first-round draft pick, has announced his retirement from the NFL after missing the entire 2025 season with a lower left leg injury. McGary, who was regarded as an elite run blocker, played in 93 games over six seasons with the Falcons.

Why it matters

McGary's retirement leaves a hole at right tackle for the Falcons, who are transitioning to a new head coach and have uncertainty at the quarterback position with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL. The team will likely need to address the right tackle spot through the draft or free agency to protect their left-handed QBs.

The details

McGary was the Falcons' first-round pick in 2019 and started 92 of 93 games over his six-year career. He was carted off the practice field on August 20th last year with the lower leg injury that ultimately ended his 2025 season. McGary was expected to protect the blind side of left-handed QB Michael Penix Jr., but Penix's status for 2026 is uncertain as he recovers from a torn ACL.

  • McGary was injured on August 20, 2025 and placed on injured reserve.
  • McGary announced his retirement on April 8, 2026.

The players

Kaleb McGary

A 31-year-old right tackle who was a first-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 and played 93 games for the team over six seasons before retiring due to a lower leg injury.

Matt Ryan

The former Falcons quarterback who is now the team's president of football operations.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' left-handed quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL and whose status for the 2026 season is uncertain.

Tua Tagovailoa

A newcomer quarterback for the Falcons who will be in the spotlight with the uncertainty around Penix Jr.

Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons' new head coach who is leading the team's voluntary offseason workouts.

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What they’re saying

“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb. He 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.”

— Matt Ryan, Falcons President of Football Operations

What’s next

The Falcons will need to address the right tackle position through the NFL draft or free agency to protect their left-handed quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, going into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kaleb McGary's retirement after a productive six-year career with the Falcons leaves a significant hole on the offensive line that the team will need to fill as they transition to a new head coach and work to solidify their quarterback situation.