The Atlanta Falcons have some big decisions when free agency comes this March, and arguably the most important comes with offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.
McGary, 28, is due to hit free agency this spring after the team declined his fifth-year option. As a first-round pick, McGary failed to live up to the high expectations placed upon him until this past season.
McGary had a career year per Pro Football Focus, finishing with an overall grade of 86.6 while starring as a run blocker, posting a grade of 91.6. He did have some troubles in pass protection, standing at 66.9 while allowing six sacks and being called for five penalties - but it was nonetheless a strong campaign.
PFF identifies McGary as the offensive player the Falcons should pursue in free agency this offseason.
"McGary’s 91.6 run-blocking grade ranked second among tackles, trailing only San Francisco 49ers great Trent Williams, with 19.7% of his run-blocking snaps earning a positive grade, also second," PFF writes. "McGary has clearly benefited from head coach Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense, but he also managed a career-high 66.9 pass-blocking grade, and Atlanta should continue to invest in his growth. Whether it’s Desmond Ridder or another quarterback under center, an offensive line anchored by left tackle Jake Matthews, guard Chris Lindstrom and McGary is a good way to help a young signal-caller along in their development."
Should McGary leave, a big hole in the offensive line is created, and the Falcons may have to fill it in the draft. Atlanta will want to give itself as much flexibility with that eighth overall pick to possibly take a defensive lineman or another playmaker like running back Bijan Robinson, so re-signing McGary should be a key item on the Falcons' to-do list this offseason.
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