Watch: Falcons, Grady Jarrett have ‘significant ground to close’ before agreement

Time is running out for the Falcons to work out a deal with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. The team has until 4:00 pm eastern time today to reach a long-term contract extension with Jarrett, otherwise he will play out the 2019 season under the franchise tag – costing the team over $15 million.

The latest news doesn’t sound good for those hopeful for an agreement to be announced today. According to Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the two sides have significant ground to close.

From @gmfb on franchise tag deadline day: The #49ers struck a 4-year deal for K Robbie Gould, the #Texans and Jadeveon Clowney won't do a deal, while DT Grady Jarrett & the #Falcons have significant ground to close before reaching an agreement. pic.twitter.com/bt3jTkBP99

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2019

This backs up other reporting on the situation.

Adam Schefter at ESPN says they are unlikely to reach an agreement.

With today being last day franchise players can sign long-term deals this year, here’s what sources say:

*Houston LB Jadeveon Clowney will not get a deal done.

*Atlanta and DT Grady Jarrett are unlikely to reach an agreement.

*49ers and K Robbie Gould have agreement in place.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019

Jarrett is by far Atlanta’s best lineman on either side of the line of scrimmage. The Falcons have maintained all along that they want Jarrett to stay. Reaching a deal has been elusive, though.

Update:

Schefter is now reporting that there’s “some hope” a deal can be reached.

There is now some hope that the Falcons and franchised DT Grady Jarrett can beat today’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for a long-term deal and get done an agreement, per sources. No assurances, but both sides working to make it happen. Deadlines spur action.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019

Hold your breath and keep your fingers crossed, Falcons fans.