As usual, the Atlanta Falcons have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. They are projected to be over the cap, meaning restructures, cuts, and/or extensions are on the horizon.
Those moves will start with the three veterans covered here. Let's look at the possibilities and what the likely outcome is for each of them.
1. What is the fate of Falcons TE Kyle Pitts?
Entering the fifth year of his rookie contract, the Falcons have two options with Kyle Pitts -- keep or trade him.
The fifth-year option is fully guaranteed so there is no chance he gets released. A team has to agree to take on his salary and offer enough compensation for Terry Fontenot to part with his first draft pick as a general manager.
If he does part with him then he has to add a receiving tight end, likely in the draft.
Ultimately, I see the Falcons letting him play out the final year of his contract and if he finally breaks out then they will consider an extension.
Fate: Keep Kyle Pitts for 2025
2. What is the fate of Falcons RT Kaleb McGary?
The switch from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr. threw a wrench in Kaleb McGary's career. As long as Cousins was starting, McGary's job was secure but now with the left-handed Penix taking over, the Falcons may look to add a better blindside protector.
McGary's biggest struggle has been his pass protection. While he has improved since his first few seasons, he still struggles against speed rushes, which is a nightmare on the blindside.
Releasing him would clear up $14.5M with $2M in dead cap. That is a lot of savings with little financial consequence. It is also the final year of his contract so finding his replacement is on the horizon anyway.
It comes down to the team's faith in finding a reliable right tackle. They will take a chance by releasing the first-round pick.
Fate: Falcons release Kaleb McGary
3. What is the fate of Falcons DT Grady Jarrett?
The elephant in the room... What are the Falcons going to do with their franchise legend, Grady Jarrett?
Jarrett's best years are behind him but he is still a great player and the long-time leader of the defense. In a world where only on-field play mattered, Grady would have to either take a pay cut or be released, unfortunately.
The Falcons have been preparing for life after Grady. They drafted two linemen last season and have other bodies who have been productive.
Jarrett's $20.4M cap hit would be the fifth highest on the team in 2025. Releasing him post-June 1 would save $16.3M and leave $4.1M in dead cap.
Honestly, Grady's fate may come down to his willingness to take a pay cut. If he doesn't, then his release is likely with a re-signing being a possibility.