Grady Gets The Bag: Why Atlanta Falcons Extended Their Veteran DT

The Atlanta Falcons checked off one of their biggest offseason to-do items.

Jeremy Brener | May 3, 2022

After seeing the departures of Julio Jones and Matt Ryan in each of the past two offseasons, the Atlanta Falcons didn't want to see another member of the previous core leave again.

Matt Ryan

Julio Jones

Grady Jarrett

That's why the team agreed to terms with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett on a three-year extension. According to Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson, the deal is expected to give Jarrett $16.5 million per year, with incentives reaching up to $17 million.

On Grady Jarrett's three-year Falcons extension, it's worth $16.5 million annually, per a league source, and can reach $17 million annual salary with incentives. Strong deal for two-time Pro Bowl selection and former All-ACC player at Clemson
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 3, 2022

Final numbers: 3 years, $49.5 million.

Jarrett, 29, was set to become a free agent following the 2022 season, but his new extension will keep him in Atlanta until the end of the 2025 season.

The two-time Pro Bowler has started all but two games over the last five seasons, asserting himself as a staple on an otherwise lackluster Falcons defensive line.

Jarrett had skipped the start of voluntary OTA's just before the NFL Draft as a result of not having a new contract, but with his situation taken care of, he can now enter the season without any reservations and play under a multi-year deal with a lot more security.

Grady Jarrett

Statistically, Jarrett had a down season in 2021, totaling only one sack and three tackles for loss after having 17.5 and 28, respectively, over the three previous years combined. He remained a highly disruptive player, but frequently saw double teams, which limited his statistical output. Some believe that Pees may fit better in a 4-3 scheme rather than the 3-4 look that defensive coordinator Dean Pees normally runs.

After drafting several defensive players in the draft last week, including Arnold Ebiketie, Troy Andersen and DeAngelo Malone, Jarrett will now have the opportunity to lead the new front seven for years to come.

Published May 3, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.