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Kaleb McGary named Falcons’ most improved player by PFF

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By: Matt Urben

The Atlanta Falcons have a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to right tackle Kaleb McGary. The former first-round pick had a career year in 2022 and now heads into free agency as one of the best tackles on the market.

Last offseason, the Falcons declined McGary’s fifth-year option, but the team picked up right guard Chris Lindstrom’s option. While both players have come into their own, Lindstrom has been the more consistent of the two since entering the league in 2019.

NFL teams are sometimes hesitant about handing out big contracts to players who produce during contract years, but in Arthur Smith‘s run-heavy system, there’s no reason to think McGary won’t sustain his current level of play.

The 27-year-old’s growth as a run-blocker helped him earn a place on Pro Football Focus’ most improved players list. PFF’s Gordon McGuinness chose McGary, who improved his overall grade by 26.2 points, as the Falcons’ nominee:

“The Falcons declined McGary’s fifth-year option heading into 2022 after three seasons where he had failed to make the type of impact one would expect from a first-round pick. The former Washington Husky responded by having a career year on the right side of the Falcons’ line. Among tackles, McGary’s 91.8 run-blocking grade trailed only the San Francisco 49ers‘ Trent Williams.“

So how much would it take to retain McGary? PFF projects a four-year, $52 million contract, with around $31 million in guaranteed money.

Atlanta is currently projected for around $57 million this offseason, but the team could make that number go up to nearly $70 million by releasing quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Check out what other offensive tackle options the Falcons will have in our latest free agency position preview.

Originally posted on Falcons Wire