Grady Jarrett is moving on from Atlanta for the first time in his 10-year career.
The Falcons are releasing Jarrett, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Monday, per sources informed of the decision.
A fifth-round pick in 2015, Jarrett became a game-wrecking stalwart in the middle of the Falcons defense for years. The two-time Pro Bowler generated 36.5 sacks in 10 seasons with Atlanta. At times, Jarrett was the Falcons' only consistent defensive line threat. Try as it might, Atlanta never could surround Jarrett with consistent, complementary pieces. Now, the Falcons will move on.
Jarrett's play over the past two seasons has been curtailed following a torn ACL in 2023. As such, he didn't look like his explosive self much of last season.
Due $15.25 million in base salary in 2025 but with zero guaranteed money, Jarrett was a candidate for a contract restructure or release. In the end, the sides decided it best to set the 31-year-old free. The move saves Atlanta $16.25 million in salary cap space.
Jarrett heads to a shallow free-agent market where he'll likely see a short-term deal as a soon-to-be 32-year-old. Landing as a rotational piece in Washington, with former coach Dan Quinn, would make some sense for all parties, after the Commanders moved on from Jonathan Allen.
