Falcons Make Franchise Tag Decision on Kaleb McGary
The NFL's franchise tag deadline has come and gone, and the Atlanta Falcons are opting not to use it.
The top candidate for the franchise tag was offensive lineman Kaleb McGary, who's set to hit free agency for the first time in his career.
McGary, 28, had his fifth-year option declined last offseason after failing to live up to his first-round draft status in his first three NFL seasons. However, he was able to redeem himself last season and played really well for the Falcons.
McGary is coming off a career year in which he earned an 86.6 overall rating by Pro Football Focus.
McGary has started every game for the Falcons in the past two seasons, and Atlanta could be interested in signing him to a new deal, but not at the $18,244,000 price for the franchise tag.
According to Spotrac, McGary is set to receive a four-year, $70.9 million contract this offseason, and his play in 2022 certainly warrants that price tag.
The Falcons hold the second-most cap room in the entire league at close to $66 million, so Atlanta has the ability to spend, but McGary is one of the top offensive tackle free agents and should receive interest from a number of teams needing help in the trenches.
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