The Atlanta Falcons have reached a two-year contract extension with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season. The agreement was initially reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
McGary’s previous contract, signed in 2023 after his rookie deal ended, was set to expire after the 2025 season. This new extension means that Atlanta will retain much of its offensive line core for several more years. The group, which includes Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, and Matthew Bergeron, has already spent three seasons together and is expected to remain mostly unchanged except for Ryan Neuzil taking over at center following Drew Dalman’s departure. Neuzil started eight games in 2024.
Since being drafted alongside Lindstrom in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, McGary has been a consistent starter at right tackle for Atlanta. He has become known as one of the league’s most reliable run-blocking tackles.
“I think he’s a special player,” said Jake Matthews about McGary. “(I) just respect him. Going into seven years with him, I really think he’s really improved a lot, and I’m expecting him to be solid and one of the staple guys on this offensive line.”
With quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a left-handed passer, becoming the full-time starter in 2025, McGary will take on increased responsibility as Penix’s blind-side protector. In Penix’s three starts during the 2024 season, only one of four sacks allowed was attributed to McGary according to Pro Football Focus data.
When asked about adapting to protecting a left-handed quarterback’s blind side, McGary stated: “In modern offenses, a quarterback is going to turn a lot when he’s reading the field. There’s not really a blind side because at some point, his back is going to be to each side pretty much no matter what. … Still just trying not to give up a sack ever.”
The decision to extend McGary reflects confidence in his ability and underscores Atlanta’s intention to keep its offensive line intact—a strategy that has contributed significantly to their recent success as one of the top rushing teams in multiple statistical categories over recent seasons.
McGary has started 92 out of 93 possible games during his career with Atlanta. The new extension is expected to add further stability and continuity for both him and the team’s offensive front.
