Franchise Tag Deadline: Will Falcons Re-Sign OT Kaleb McGary?

While the NFL offseason is still in its infancy, the Atlanta Falcons have reached the 11th hour of the franchise tag deadline ... and there's yet to be any updates surrounding their plans.

From the start, it was clear that right tackle Kaleb McGary was the player most likely to be tagged - but with March 7 marking the last day to make a decision, time is running out.

The Falcons have plenty of money to spend, currently ranking No. 2 league-wide with roughly $66 million in cap space ... and McGary, who played a big part in Atlanta's top-five rushing attack, could demand a chunk of that.

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.

McGary, who just turned 28, is coming off a career year in which he earned an 86.6 overall rating by Pro Football Focus.

Still, it's important to note that McGary struggled in his first three years - so much that the Falcons declined his fifth-year option following last season.

Further, should Atlanta use the franchise tag on McGary, the cost is set to be $18.2 million, per Over The Cap, marginally higher than the $17.7 million average annual value he's projected to get on the market.

As such, McGary, recently named the No. 30 free agent available, may just reach free agency after all, with the Falcons hoping to get him on a cheaper price ... but it's also possible that number only inflates with added competition.

Will Atlanta take the risk of giving McGary a hefty price on the franchise tag?

Or, will it take an even bigger risk of letting him hit the open market and having the potential of being courted elsewhere?

Only time will tell - and that "time" is set to run out within the next day.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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