The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.
The Player: Kaleb McGary
Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary turned around a rough beginning to his career in 2022. The former 31st overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft notched three disappointing years in a row to open his career, but he was sensational when it mattered, earning an exceptional 86.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in his contract year.
The Fit:
McGary is a long, agile tackle who has played mostly on the right side over his four seasons in the NFL. He has been durable, if inconsistent, throughout his career, but he helped the Falcons to the third-most rushing yards in the league in 2022. He belongs on a squad that needs to protect a young quarterback with a balanced approach on offense.
The Cost:
The Falcons declined to activate McGary's fifth-year option, and they could come to regret it this year. A franchise tag would cost them $18.244 million this year, which could be a little rich for their blood. If he hits the open market, he should fetch a deal north of the three-year, $34 million deal signed by Rob Havenstein in 2022. He could even flirt with Jack Conklin's $15 million per year average.
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