Atlanta Falcons’ star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett won’t be playing under the franchise tag in 2019 after all. Falcons and Jarrett managed to agree to a long term deal before 4 p.m. ET deadline, with the 26-year-old inking a four-year contract extension.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jarrett’s extension is worth $68 million with $38 million being guaranteed. He was set to earn $15.209 million this year under the franchise tag.
“As we have said since the end of the season, getting a deal done with Grady has been a priority, and we are pleased to have accomplished that today,” – said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff in a statement. “Grady is an integral part of our organization, and we look forward to moving together for many years to come.”
Jarrett, who was a fifth-round pick in 2015, had a breakthrough season in 2018 which saw him getting 52 tackles and 6.0 sacks in just 14 games. He also added three forced fumbles and emerged as a bright spot in struggling Atlanta team.
Now that Falcons managed to get Grady Jarrett under a long-term deal, they will turn to work on extensions with All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones and Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones. The team is reportedly hoping to lock Jones before the start of the training camp while negotiations over Jones’ contract should kick off this week.
