The Atlanta Falcons received tough news on Wednesday as right tackle Kaleb McGary announced he is retiring from the NFL at age 31. McGary spent six seasons with the Falcons from 2019 to 2024 but missed the entire 2025 season due to a severe knee injury.
In response, the Falcons have quickly moved to strengthen their offensive line by signing former Chiefs offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor.
According to NFL sources, Taylor is joining Atlanta on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman out of Florida was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, played four seasons in Jacksonville, and then spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs. In seven NFL seasons, Taylor has started all 111 games he’s played. Last year, he appeared in 12 games at tackle for the Chiefs.
McGary’s retirement left a significant gap on Atlanta’s offensive line, but Taylor’s signing immediately addresses that need. At 28, Taylor’s availability may have been delayed, but the Falcons acted swiftly to secure a proven starter and Super Bowl champion from the 2023 Chiefs.
With potential questions at quarterback for Atlanta, protecting the pocket will be critical, and Taylor’s experience should provide a solid boost. Initially, the team may have looked to the draft to replace McGary, but this timely signing, just three weeks before the NFL Draft, gives Falcons fans a reason to feel optimistic heading into 2026.
