The Falcons don’t have many high profile players entering free agency this offseason, but there is one — Kaleb McGary. Because of a down tackle class, the former first-round pick will be a hot commodity. Coming off a career-best campaign in 2022, McGary is surely in line to receive a lucrative deal. He’s the second-ranked right tackle on PFF’s 2023 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Top 50 players set to enter free agency.
29. OT KALEB MCGARY, ATLANTA FALCONS
McGary, a first-round pick in 2019, had his fifth-year option declined for 2023 and responded with a career year that sets him up nicely. The Falcons may consider a franchise tag, but the approximately $18.25 million price may be too rich in their eyes.
McGary’s 91.6 run-blocking grade ranked second among tackles, trailing only the great Trent Williams, with 19.7% of his run-blocking snaps earning a positive grade, which also placed second best. The concern here will be if he’s a beneficiary of the NFL’s run-heaviest offense and if his 66.9 pass-blocking grade — a career best — can continue to improve in years to come.
The only other right tackle ahead of McGary on PFF’s list is Mike McGlinchey. The 49ers’ former top 10 pick certainly hasn’t lived up to the billing, but he’s a quality starter. From what I saw, McGary had a better year than McGlinchey, but the Niners tackle has been more consistent over his career. Only time will tell who will continue their development.
The Falcons don’t have an obvious replacement under contract in 2023. I don’t see them making a move for McGlinchey, who is a similar player as their in-house candidate. I see there being two options: re-sign Kaleb McGary or draft his successor — Broderick Jones or Paris Jonhnson.
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