3 Impact free agents the Atlanta Falcons could lose this off-season

1. Kaleb McGary

Kaleb McGary thrived in his second season with Arthur Smith becoming a capable starter and consistently protecting the passer at a level he hadn’t in his first three seasons in the league. McGary picked a great time to have the best season of his young career with free agency looming and likely a big payday ahead.

If you’re Atlanta, you have to be wary of paying McGary what he will likely demand in free agency after a career year. Perhaps McGary will be the player he was in 2022 or perhaps the outlier season is just that and regression is bound to happen.

There are plenty of comparable players in both the draft and free agency that will be far more affordable. Atlanta made the decision a year ago not to use McGary’s fifth-year option and that is a decision they should stand by. Kaleb had a great season, and it wouldn’t be shocking if the Falcons make the risky move and bring the right tackle back for another season keeping their starting offensive line in place heading into next year. Regardless of whether it is McGary, or another option right tackle will be one of the highest priorities for a team that needs to build around young quarterback Desmond Ridder.