Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary has retired, and the team quickly signed former Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year, $6 million contract. Taylor, a 28-year-old with 111 career starts, may provide an upgrade in pass protection despite concerns over penalties.
Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary retired on Wednesday, but it didn't take the team long to find a replacement. The Falcons agreed to terms with former Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor on a one-year, $6 million contract roughly one hour after McGary stepped away.
Taylor, 28, was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has started 111 games over his seven-year career and spent the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
McGary missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury he suffered in training camp. Veteran Elijah Wilkinson started all 17 games in place of McGary but signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. So what are the Falcons getting in their new right tackle?
While Taylor is nowhere close to McGary in terms of run-blocking ability, he may end up being a slight upgrade in terms of pass protection. Although, Taylor has had issues with penalties.
Check out the Falcons' updated offensive line depth chart for 2026 below.
The Falcons have a few other options at right tackle, but Taylor's contract almost guarantees he will start for the team next season. Storm Norton is a quality backup and Michael Jerrell has some starting experience as well.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons depth chart: Jawaan Taylor to start at RT
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Kaleb McGary retired from the Atlanta Falcons shortly after missing the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury suffered in training camp.
Jawaan Taylor has started 111 games over his seven-year NFL career, including the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jawaan Taylor signed a one-year contract worth $6 million with the Atlanta Falcons.

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