Falcons make a proactive play to keep offensive nucleus intact with strategic two-year extension for former first-round pick

McGary entered into training camp with one year remaining on his prior contract extension, he was set to hit free agency after the year and scheduled to earn $14.5 million in cash this season. He's been a sturdy starter at right tackle for the Falcons and has missed just a handful of games in the last four seasons. His consistent availability has been a major piece of his resume, too. McGary has played at least 848 snaps in each of his first six seasons in the NFL, providing a higher than average availability rate to go along with his impact play as a run blocker.

His new money average of $15 million per season ties him for 13th among NFL right tackles from an annual average salary basis and gives him a total commitment of $44.5 million across the next three seasons. McGary's new contract will expire after the 2027 season.

The pairing of Lindstrom and McGary, along with the rest of the Falcons line, will look to protect a new quarterback in 2025 with Michael Penix Jr. now set to star behind center. And with the rest of the Falcons' marquee offensive weapons locked in on rookie contracts, now is the right time to assertively and proactively lock in offensive line starters before prices swell any higher.

From that standpoint, this is a win for the Falcons. And if McGary continues to stay healthy and play to his preexisting standard, he'll continue to be a bargain for the Falcons.