Will Falcons Re-Sign Kaleb McGary? ESPN Insider Prediction

The Atlanta Falcons selected offensive guard Chris Lindstrom and offensive tackle Kaleb McGary in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Heading into their fourth seasons, Atlanta elected to exercise the fifth-year option on Lindstrom, but declined on McGary.

Lindstrom is under contract for 2023 with a big extension on deck. McGary is scheduled to be a free agent when the season concludes. The Falcons made the right choice in not taking the option on McGary at the time. He had been a disappointment his first-three seasons.

But McGary was one of the best right tackles in the NFL this season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him the No. 4 offensive tackle in the league this year.

McGary is going to get a big contract before the 2023 season, but will it be from the Falcons?

ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates believes McGary and the Falcons are the right fit for one another and will work out a deal.

Yes. McGary has had a breakout season in his fourth year that will make for a huge payday. Atlanta should eventually solve its quarterback quandary, but ensuring whoever is throwing the passes has a dependable line in front of him is key. McGary could be looking at $12-plus million per year on his next contract. — Field Yates, ESPN

Offensive lineman Peter Skoronski of Northwestern has been a popular pick to the Falcons in several NFL mock drafts this month. He has the versatility to play several positions including left guard and possibly center before eventually moving to tackle.

Skoronski or Ohio State’s Paris Johnson and Georgia’s Broderick Jones become a much bigger need if the Falcons don’t re-sign McGary.

It seems McGary is relatively happy in Atlanta, and the Falcons appear to be happy with McGary’s progress. The Falcons have plenty of cap-space available for a change, so a deal should get done.