The Falcons cut it close to the franchise tag deadline, but they have finally come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension with their star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. According to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN, Jarrett’s new deal will pay him $68 million over the next four years.
One could argue that players like defensive back Keanu Neal and middle linebacker Deion Jones are more valuable, but Jarrett is a critical piece for Atlanta’s defense and by far the best defensive lineman on the team. Paying Jarrett to stay in Atlanta for the remainder of his career was always the plan.
Team owner Arthur Blank has said he wants both Jarrett and wide receiver Julio Jones to be Falcons for life. This news is a big step forward in that direction.
Jarrett may not get as much press as the other elite players at his position, but aside from Aaron Donald, he’s pretty close in value to second-tier DTs like Fletcher Cox and Geno Atkins. This new contract reflects that and is a fair value for both parties.
