The Falcons are one step closer towards reaching a long-term agreement with star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. The team just announced on its website that Jarrett has signed his franchise tag tender for the 2019 season.
Defensive tackles make a little more than $15.2 million under the tag this year. Unless Jarrett signs an extension between now and July 15, that’s how much he’ll make and cost Atlanta in cap space this year.
Jarrett was a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2015. He’s improved each season in the league and reached an elite level last season.
According to Pro Football Focus, only four defensive tackles around the NFL had a better year than Jarrett in 2018. That means he’s due for a huge raise with his next contract.
Signing a long-term extension isn’t just the best-case scenario for Jarrett. It would also free up some cap room for the Falcons so they can address their other roster holes. Today, they filled the one at backup safety by signing free agent J.J. Wilcox, who should at least be an upgrade over Jordan Richards.
