Because of the Falcons standing with the salary cap — currently in the red as the offseason begins — some gut-wrenching decisions might have to be made. One of which could include star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said was not “untouchable” earlier today at his press conference ahead of the NFL Combine.
#Falcons GM Terry Fontenot wouldn’t call Grady Jarrett an “untouchable.”
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 25, 2025
The 32-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and the Falcons can save quite a bit of change by releasing him. He’s owed a touch over $20 million next season but an outright release would save the organization $16.25 million against the salary cap.
That would give the Falcons a lot of room to maneuver and has to be on the table considering he’s an aging defensive tackle that seems to have taken a slight step back after suffering a torn ACL, which ended his season back in 2023.
However, if the Falcons are going to rid of Grady Jarrett, they’d at least like to get some draft compensation back in the deal as well. He’s still among the better defensive tackles in the game, an invaluable locker room presence, and could bounce back even stronger a year removed from that torn ACL. There will be quite a few interested parties if the Falcons make him available, which feels like the most likely course of action right now.
What is most clear: Atlanta can’t go into next season with Jarrett’s contract untouched. Nobody wants to see the heart and soul of the organization play in different threads. The Falcons should be working diligently on something that will make both parties happy, whether it’s a restructure or a short-term extension. Those conversations need to be happening now, but if Jarrett doesn’t oblige, Terry Fontenot won’t have a choice but to engage in trade talks with interested parties.
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Photographer: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
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