As the NFL offseason progresses, teams continue to evaluate their rosters. While preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, they are also working to finalize their lineups.

The Atlanta Falcons have stayed active in free agency. On Wednesday, longtime offensive tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement.

McGary missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, now leaving the Falcons in need of an immediate replacement. It appears they have already found one.

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Reports indicate that Atlanta has signed Super Bowl–winning offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a one-year, $5 million contract.

Taylor originally signed a massive deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023—a four-year contract worth $80 million—but the team released him earlier this offseason.

During his time in Kansas City, Taylor experienced both highs and lows. He played in two Super Bowls, winning his first in 2023.

However, he and the Chiefs’ offense struggled mightily against the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant defensive line in Super Bowl 59, where Kansas City suffered a lopsided loss.

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Taylor and the offense aimed to rebound in 2025, but the team regressed instead. He also drew scrutiny for multiple apparent false starts that went uncalled, sparking controversy.

Despite that, Taylor held his own against some of the AFC’s top pass rushers, routinely facing defenders like T.J. Watt, Nik Bonitto, and Maxx Crosby.

He now gives the Falcons a valuable and experienced presence on the offensive line. His addition not only provides flexibility heading into the draft but also brings proven experience at the highest level.

Taylor is expected to step in as the blindside protector. With right-handed quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix on the roster, Taylor—a natural right tackle—will likely fill the role McGary once held.

The question now: can Taylor bounce back in Atlanta as the team’s new blindside protector?