Kaleb McGary: Everything you need to know

McGary announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, per his representation Collin Roberts. McGary inked a two-year, $30 million contract with the Falcons prior to the start of the 2025 campaign and was expected to hold down the fort as the team's starting right tackle, but a left leg injury suffered last August forced him to miss the entire year. New head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed optimism as recently as late March that McGary could be ready for the start of training camp this offseason, but instead Atlanta will need to seek a new right tackle to cover the blindsides of southpaw QBs Michael Penix (ACL) and Tua Tagovailoa. To fill the void left by McGary, the Falcons are signing Jawaan Taylor to a one-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that there is hope McGary (leg) will be ready for the start of training camp, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports. McGary missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a significant left leg injury suffered in late August, so while the standout right tackle will remain sidelined throughout the spring, it would be highly encouraging to get him back on the field to kick off training camp. Atlanta's offensive line returning to elite form will be a major priority with Michael Penix working back from an ACL tear and new QB Tua Tagovailoa having consistently battled injuries during his time with the Dolphins.

The Falcons placed McGary on season-ending IR on Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Atlanta didn't designate McGary to return, meaning the left leg injury that caused him to be carted off the practice field Aug. 21 will force him to miss the entire 2025 season. The loss of the starting right tackle is a significant development for the Falcons' offensive line, and could most notably impact the fantasy upside of quarterback Michael Penix and running back Bijan Robinson. Elijah Wilkinson appears the most likely candidate to step into a starting role at right tackle in McGary's stead, though Jack Nelson and Brandon Parker could also get opportunities.