Falcons hit with unexpected loss of reliable offensive player that creates major hole just ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The Falcons must now add a starter at a key position along their offense. The path won’t be easy, either. Check out the latest here for Atlanta.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) after scoring on a two point conversion in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons will have to pivot following some recent news. A massive roster hole is now glaring along their offense, and they have to figure it out sooner rather than later.

It won’t be an easy task for their new front office and coaching staff, though.

Kaleb McGary announces retirement from NFL

According to the offensive tackle’s agent, Kaleb McGary is retiring from football. He is just 31 years old and was slated to start at right tackle again in 2026 for Atlanta. McGary started 92 games over six seasons with the Falcons.

“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Falcons president of football Matt Ryan, who played with McGary from 2019-21, said in a statement. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” — ESPN

McGary was known for his upside as a run blocker during his time in the pros, but a knee injury prevented him from playing a single snap in 2025. He suffered the injury during training camp.

Atlanta’s plan to replace him

The Falcons cannot take this process lightly. Both of their starting QB options for 2026 are left-handed. That means their RT is the blindside protector for whoever is starting at signal-caller.

Shortly after news broke of McGary’s retirement, however, Atlanta has already made one veteran addition. The Falcons are signing former Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor as a potential replacement for McGary next season. Taylor has 111 career starts in the NFL.

Keep in mind – the fact that Atlanta does not have a first-round pick this year due to the James Pearce Jr. trade from last year’s draft only compounds this potential issue in the long run.

Storm Norton is the projected backup at RT currently, following the Taylor signing. He dealt with an injury last season as well, and his performance throughout his career does not project him as a trustable starter in the case of an injury to Taylor.

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