Falcons Make $30 Million Commitment to Protect QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons shored up protection for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with a $30 million contract extension for offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 22, 2024. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons helped ensure strong protection for second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on Monday with a two-year, $30 million contract extension for offensive right tackle Kaleb McGary.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the move, confirmed by McGary’s agent, Collin Roberts, on Monday. McGary has been a key part of the Falcons’ offensive line since the team took him with the No. 31 pick in the 2019 draft from the University of Washington. He has started 92 of 93 career games, and he has 5,925 career offensive snaps.

“I think he’s a special player,” Falcons offensive left tackle Jake Matthews told reporters on July 26. “Going into seven years with him, I really think he’s improved a lot, and I’m expecting him to be solid and one of the staple guys on this offensive line.”

McGary will average $15 million per year, and he will rank 13th among right tackles league-wide for annual pay. He will make $44.5 million overall between his upcoming contract extension and this season’s salary of $14.5 million in the final year of his previous contract.

Atlanta’s move notably protects Penix’s blind side since the fellow former Washington standout is a left-handed thrower. McGary has downplayed the change in responsibility from protecting the previous starter, Kirk Cousins, a right-handed quarterback, in 2024 before Penix took over.

“In modern offenses, a quarterback is going to turn a lot when he’s reading the field,” McGary told reporters in July via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “There’s not really a blind side because at some point, his back is going to be to each side pretty much no matter what. ... Still just trying not to give up a sack ever.”

Last season, McGary helped  Penix stay upright with only four sacks in five games. Pro Football Focus notably gave McGary an overall grade of 73.8 for 2024.

While McGary has been durable, he dealt with left ankle bone spurs this offseason, and he consequently missed organized team activities and minicamp because of a minor procedure to remove the spurs. McGary said the procedure paid off.

“I don’t know if I’ve had a joint feel as good in a long time,” McGary said in July.

Atlanta maintains continuity overall in the offensive line with the McGary extension. He had one year left on his three-year deal with $14.5 million due this season, and McGary would have become a free agent in 2026 had the Falcons not locked in an extension for him.

In addition, the Falcons have right guard Chris Lindstrom and left tackle Jake Matthews both under contract through the 2028 season. Left guard Matthew Bergeron is set through 2026 on his rookie contract, and the Falcons have center Ryan Neuzil secured through the 2026 season. Neuzil started eight games last season in place of Drew Dalman.

The continuity buys time for the Falcons to make the most of Penix on his rookie contract for at least the next three seasons before either the team option or a contract extension will become necessary. Penix impressed in five games last season as he completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 775 yards and three touchdowns versus three interceptions plus one rushing touchdown.

Atlanta previously invested a four-year, $180 million deal in Cousins as a free agent last year, but the Falcons turned to Penix late in the season amid Cousins’ struggles. Cousins remains on the team as a backup to Penix.

Despite being on the books for Cousins’ big free agent deal, the Falcons invested in McGary with Penix in mind. McGary expressed little to no concern about an extension getting done when training camp got underway.

“You'll never find somebody more willing to be paid in all your life, trust me,” McGary told reporters in July via ESPN. “I’m not really worried about it. I’m worried about the season, and if I don’t do my job well enough, then there’s not much reason to worry about it. So, I’m just one thing at a time. That’s all.”