Falcons Sign Veteran Tackle to Protect Quarterback After Starter's Retirement

Atlanta quickly adds former Chiefs lineman Jawaan Taylor on a one-year deal after Kaleb McGary's surprise retirement.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:11pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting an NFL offensive line, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones conveying the dynamic movement and power of the linemen.The Falcons' offensive line undergoes a geometric transformation as the team adds veteran tackle Jawaan Taylor to protect their quarterback.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons have signed veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million after starting right tackle Kaleb McGary unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL. Taylor, a former second-round pick, won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and will now look to solidify the Falcons' offensive line as they determine their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Falcons' offensive line was a strength of the team over the last couple of seasons, but McGary's retirement creates a significant hole that needed to be filled quickly. Taylor's addition provides experienced depth and insurance as the team evaluates its quarterback options, including Michael Penix Jr. and recent free agent signing Tua Tagovailoa.

The details

After McGary's retirement announcement on Wednesday, the Falcons moved swiftly to sign Taylor to a one-year deal with a base value of $5 million and up to $1 million in incentives. Taylor is a former second-round pick who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2023 and started 12 games for them last season before being released. He'll now look to solidify the right tackle spot for the Falcons as they prepare for the 2026 season.

  • On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Kaleb McGary announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons.
  • Later that same day, the Falcons signed Jawaan Taylor to a one-year contract.

The players

Kaleb McGary

A former first-round pick of the Falcons, McGary started 84 games at right tackle for the team over the last seven seasons before unexpectedly retiring.

Jawaan Taylor

A veteran offensive tackle who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and started 12 games for them last season before being released.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' current starting quarterback, though his status for the upcoming season is uncertain after a recent ACL injury.

Tua Tagovailoa

A free agent quarterback signed by the Falcons this offseason to add depth at the position.

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What they’re saying

“'Falcons and former Chiefs free-agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor reached agreement today on a one-year deal with a base value of $5 million and an additional $1 million in incentives, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.'”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

The Falcons' 2026 schedule is expected to be released next month, at which point the team's quarterback situation and offensive line will come into clearer focus as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Falcons acted quickly to address a significant hole on their offensive line after the surprise retirement of a key starter, signing veteran tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year deal. This move provides experienced depth and insurance as the team evaluates its quarterback options heading into the 2026 season.