Kaleb McGary Retires, Creating Right Tackle Void for Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary, 31, announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday, a decision confirmed by his agent. This move, coupled with Elijah Wilkinson's earlier departure to the Cardinals, leaves a significant vacancy at the right tackle position for the Falcons.

Kaleb McGary's retirement, confirmed Wednesday, creates a key vacancy at right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, compounded by Elijah Wilkinson's move to the Cardinals.

Player Details and Career Summary

McGary was a prominent figure for the Falcons since being drafted. He was selected by the Falcons as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Over his six seasons with the team, McGary demonstrated remarkable consistency, playing in 93 games and starting 92 of them. He had signed a two-year contract extension with the Falcons in August of the previous year, underscoring his expected role.

Unfortunately, McGary's final season was marked by injury. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury sustained during training camp.

Impact on the Atlanta Falcons

Following McGary's retirement, the Atlanta Falcons are actively seeking to fill the crucial right tackle position. This need is further amplified by the fact that Elijah Wilkinson, who had served as the team's starting right tackle last season, has now signed with the Cardinals.

The right tackle position holds particular strategic significance for the team's offensive plans. This is especially true given that the Falcons' depth chart includes left-handed quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, for whom the right tackle protects the blind side.