Falcons roster tracker: Atlanta signs new blind-side protector
Falcons officially sign veteran Jawaan Taylor to start at right tackle
The Atlanta Falcons have a new blind-side protector, officially signing veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to the roster on Friday afternoon. Taylor, a former second-round pick, will replace Kaleb McGary at right tackle after spending the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Falcons didn't appear to be caught off guard by McGary's surprise retirement.
The team agreed to terms with Taylor roughly an hour after McGary stepped away. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Taylor's contract is a one-year, $5 million deal with another $1 million in possible incentives. Taylor, 28, is solid in protection but has been relatively average as a run blocker.
Last season, he finished with a PFF pass-blocking grade of 67. 3 and a run-blocking grade of 43. 8.
Taylor's pass-blocking ability should benefit the team's two lefty quarterbacks -- Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa -- this season. Check out the team's updated roster arranged by position group below (free-agent additions in bold, uniform numbers in parentheses).