The Atlanta Falcons have declined the 5th year option for format Washington Husky offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.

The move was first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“McGary isn’t done,” said RealDawg.com’s Roman Tomashoff.  “He’ll catch on somewhere else—the Falcons didn’t want to pay first round money in the middle of a rebuild.”

In the midst of a rebuild, the Falcons are a very different team than when McGary was drafted in 2019 with the 31st pick overall.

The move by the Falcons was expected as the team transitions on from the Matt Ryan/Julio Jones era, who have  recently traded to the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, respectively.

Once rated at Washington’s worst lineman, McGary became cornerstone to the Husky’s return to prominence.  Between 2016 and 2018, McGary started 41 games at right tackle including three New Years 6 bowl games—including his final game in a UW uniform in Pasadena, California at the Rose Bowl.