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3 free agents the Falcons should consider to replace Kaleb McGary
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- 3 free agents the Falcons should consider to replace Kaleb McGary
Despite taking a cautious approach to the 2025 NFL preseason, the Atlanta Falcons suffered two significant practice injuries over the past week. Right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the field on Wednesday and is expected to miss "some time," per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
A few hours after McGary went down, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that swing tackle Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery. According to Schefter, Norton will miss at least six weeks in recovery. Since the start of the 2025 NFL season is just two weeks away, there are limited options for Atlanta in free agency.
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With that said, the Falcons should consider kicking the tires on these three NFL free agents as temporary replacements for McGary.
1). Jedrick Wills
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Age:26
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Experience:57 NFL starts
Wills is arguably the best free-agent offensive lineman on the market, however, his health remains a bit of a question mark. The veteran is considering playing this season, but his knee may not be 100 percent. Obviously, the Falcons aren't looking to add another injured offensive lineman. If healthy, though, Wills is an intriguing option.
"Injuries have impacted Wills' development, as he has played in 13 games over the past two seasons," wrote ESPN's Matt Bowen . "He was also benched in 2024 for sitting out a game because of a "business decision." But the 2020 top-10 pick has a career pass block win rate of 92.0% -- which is above league average -- and he could be viewed as a reclamation project, given his lower-body quickness and movement ability."
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2). Isaiah Wynn
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (77) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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Age:29
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Experience:50 NFL starts
Wynn, a former first-round pick, spent his first four seasons with the New England Patriots . After playing left tackle for his first three years in the NFL, Wynn moved over to right tackle in his fourth season. Since then, Wynn has played both tackle and guard for the Miami Dolphins .
The versatile lineman is worth a look if McGary is out for an extended period, or if the Falcons simply feel they need to add someone with starting experience to begin the season. Wynn has 50 career starts since entering the league in 2018.
3). Dalton Risner (G)
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner (66) reacts with the crowd after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Age:30
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Experience:81 NFL starts
I know, Risner is a guard and the Falcons need help at right tackle. However, the team does have a former right tackle on the roster in Matthew Bergeron . If Atlanta is comfortable with moving Bergeron over to tackle, Risner could start at left guard until McGary (or Norton) returns.
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Admittedly, this is probably a stretch, but the lack of quality offensive tackles on the market could force the team to get creative. Risner, 30, has made 81 career starts since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Kansas State.
The Falcons may also look to rookie Jack Nelson as a temporary replacement. The seventh-round pick could use more experience, though. Keep an eye on Nelson during Friday night's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys .
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: 3 free agent replacements for Kaleb McGary
