Grady Jarrett’s new deal shows Atlanta’s faith in key players
With the Grady Jarrett deal coming before 4 p.m., the Falcons continue locking up key pieces and becoming one of the NFL’s most faithful teams.
July 15 signifies an important day in the NFL calendar. Monday’s 4 p.m. deadline is when teams can sign franchised players to long-term deals. And the Atlanta Falcons made sure their franchised player would not be going anywhere in the near future.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons beat the deadline by locking up defensive tackle Grady Jarrett on a four-year, $68 million deal. Jarrett will also receive $42.5 in guaranteed money.
Jarrett has racked up 179 tackles and 14 sacks in four seasons. Jarrett picked a career-high six sacks and eight tackles for loss in 2018. While his numbers may not look impressive alone, Jarrett’s best moments have come in big situations.
Over his four-year NFL career, Jarrett has turned into one of the NFL’s best interior defensive players. In 2018, the Falcons defense was decimated with key injuries. Despite Atlanta’s injuries, Jarrett has missed just three games with the Falcons.
He has also made third down most productive one throughout his career. He also sacked Tom Brady three times in Atlanta’s Super Bowl LI loss to the New England Patriots.
Grady Jarrett has been incredibly efficient on all downs, but especially on money downs through his career to date.
— PFF (@PFF) July 15, 2019
In fact, his 90.1 pass-rushing grade on third down last year is the ninth-highest single-season mark we've ever given to an interior d-lineman.
With Jarrett signed, The Falcons have several veterans including Matt Ryan, Jake Matthews, Devonta Freeman, and Desmond Trufant signed for many more years, giving the Falcons a potential long run of success.
Despite the faith, the Falcons finished 7-9. Atlanta will hope Jarrett’s development leads the Falcons to overcome the New Orleans Saints and regain control of the NFC South in 2019.
Signing Jarrett was a big show for Atlanta, but this team could have major decisions looming. Atlanta’s next keys are signing receiver Julio Jones and Deion Jones to another mega extensions.
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Free agency has allowed many teams the chance at getting veterans to fill openings. The Falcons remain loyal and faithful to their own players.