The Atlanta Falcons made the right decision extending Grady Jarrett

The Atlanta Falcons gave veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett a three-year extension this week worth up to $51-million. It is a contract that not only keeps Jarrett locked up over the next few seasons but provides some much-needed cap relief for the Falcons with Atlanta now having well over $15-million in available cap space.

Despite the fact they are in a full rebuild extending Grady was the right move for the Falcons. He is still in the middle of his prime and is a leader both on and off the field for the Falcons. Jarrett is still only 29-years old and hasn’t given any indication to think he is slowing down.  He is part of the long-term solution for the Atlanta defense and the front office making the move to lock him up as they tear everything else around him down speaks to that.

On the offensive side of the ball, the front office made a similar move earlier this off-season locking up left tackle Jake Matthews.

Atlanta realizes that the bulk of their problems on both sides of the ball is their inability to win in the trenches.  Knowing Grady Jarrett and Jake Matthews are both parts of the solution and not moving past them is a rare win for this Atlanta front office.

Grady Jarrett’s numbers haven’t been impressive over the past two seasons, however, the reason why is obvious. Without another pass rushing or run-stopping threat along the defensive line, teams are often double-teaming and chipping Jarrett realizing no other Falcons lineman or pass rusher is likely going to hurt them.

With solid off-season additions in free agency and the draft, the Falcons hope this will change in the 2022 season.

Atlanta signed Lorenzo Carter and drafted Arnold Ebiketie both players that should help fix Atlanta’s issues rushing the passer and allow Grady to be more impactful.

Locking up Jarrett is arguably the best move of the Atlanta Falcons’ off-season one that keeps a much-needed impact player in Atlanta for years to come.