Falcons starting RT Kaleb McGary retiring at age 31, agent says - ESPN

Atlanta Falcons starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is retiring, his agent, Collin Roberts, announced on social media.

McGary, 31, missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury suffered on the final day of training camp. He was scheduled to cover the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. last season and was slotted in that role again in 2026, for both Penix and fellow left-hander Tua Tagovailoa.

Congrats to Kaleb McGary on his retirement and an amazing career. pic.twitter.com/Nb9M3Fmlw0

«I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,» Falcons president of football Matt Ryan, who played with McGary from 2019-21, said in a statement. «He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.»

McGary started 92 games over six seasons in Atlanta. An elite run blocker, he was part of an offensive line that had some of the best continuity in the NFL and helped Bijan Robinson to become one of the league's best running backs.

The Falcons signed McGary to a two-year, $30 million contract extension last summer. Atlanta will be able to recoup at least some of that for salary cap relief with McGary's retirement.

McGary's backup Storm Norton also missed all of last season with an ankle injury. He could be asked to step up as the starter this season, but the Falcons are likely to be in the market for a right tackle, either in free agency or the draft.