Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett agreed to a four-year extension Monday worth a total of $68 million with $39.5 million guaranteed at signing and another $2 million guaranteed in a second-year option bonus. The contract includes an $18 million signing bonus and has guaranteed salaries the first two seasons of $6.5 million and $10.5 million. $4.5 million of his 2021 salary is also guaranteed for injury purposes.
The Falcons are locked into the first three years of Jarrett’s deal without any cap relief should his level of play fall off. This is a gamble, but it’s a smart one as Jarrett is already one of the top players in the NFL at his position and hasn’t reached his prime yet.
Here’s the break-down by year.
| Year | Salary | Signing Bonus | Option Bonus | Cap Hit |
| 2019 | $6,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $11,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $10,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $1,000,000 | $16,000,000 |
| 2021 | $13,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $1,000,000 | $19,000,000 |
| 2022 | $16,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $1,000,000 | $22,000,000 |
Jarrett’s 2019 cap hit saves the Falcons $4.209 million in salary cap room compared to the cost of the franchise tag.
The franchise and Jarrett both win here. Jarrett gets rewarded with a fair market value contract. Atlanta gets more room to remodel the roster while the Super Bowl window is open.
