Falcons Sign Super Bowl Champ to Replace Retiring Tackle

Atlanta adds former Chiefs offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor on a one-year deal.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting an NFL offensive line broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of deep navy, forest green, and crimson red, capturing the abstract energy of the game.The Falcons' offensive line undergoes a Cubist transformation as the team adds a Super Bowl champion to replace a key retirement.Flowery Branch Today

The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year, $5 million contract with an additional $1 million in incentives. This move comes after the Falcons' longtime starting right tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement after six seasons with the team.

Why it matters

The Falcons were in need of a replacement for McGary, who had been a key part of their offensive line since being drafted in the first round in 2019. Taylor, a Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, brings valuable experience and talent to help protect Atlanta's left-handed quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.

The details

Taylor, 28, was released by the Chiefs in March after three seasons with the team. He was a consistent starter for the Super Bowl LVIII champions, starting 17 games in 2023, 16 in 2024, and 12 in 2025. However, Taylor was also a heavily penalized player, accumulating 54 penalties over his time in Kansas City.

  • On April 8, 2026, the Falcons announced they had signed Jawaan Taylor to a one-year contract.
  • On April 5, 2026, Kaleb McGary announced his retirement from the NFL after six seasons with the Falcons.

The players

Jawaan Taylor

A 28-year-old offensive tackle who was recently released by the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs after three seasons with the team.

Kaleb McGary

The Falcons' longtime starting right tackle who announced his retirement on April 5, 2026 after six seasons with the team.

Tua Tagovailoa

One of the Falcons' left-handed quarterbacks who will be competing for the starting job this summer.

Michael Penix Jr.

The other left-handed quarterback for the Falcons who will be competing for the starting job this summer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Atlanta Falcons moved quickly after their offensive line depth was dealt a stunning blow on Wednesday afternoon.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

The Falcons will hold an open quarterback competition this summer between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. to determine their starter for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Falcons acted swiftly to address a major hole on their offensive line by signing a Super Bowl champion in Jawaan Taylor. This move should help provide stability and experience to protect their left-handed quarterbacks as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.