Falcons, DT Jarrett beat deadline, reach deal

The Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett have reached an agreement on a four-year, $68 million deal according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

The agreement beats Monday’s deadline to extend franchise tags by about one hour and 10 minutes and will keep Jarrett in Atlanta through 2023 if completed in full. 

“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,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “Grady is an integral part of our organization and we look forward to moving together for many years to come.”

Now with Jarrett signed, the Falcons can focus their attention on getting new deals done for top wide receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Deion Jones. Team owner Arthur Blank has already said that both players would be “Falcons for life,” and Julio Jones said he’s not worried about his contract situation because Blank has spoken.

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The Falcons hope to at least have Julio Jones’ deal complete by the start of training camp, and he could be on the verge of an extension worth $20 million per year. The receiver currently has two years and more than $21 million left on his deal.

Jarrett, a fifth-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Clemson, emerged as the Falcons’ top defender in recent years. According to Pro Football Focus, Jarrett generated 53 total pressures during the 2018 campaign while dominating on the interior. Jarrett had six sacks, three forced fumbles and a team-high 16 quarterback hits last season. He also thrived as a run-stuffer and recorded a team-high eight tackles for losses.

“It’s hard to sum up in a small chance,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said when asked what Jarrett means to his team. “The development that he’s made over the last few years — his energy on and off the field and what he brings to his defense — Grady’s toughness, intangibles and quickness, all of that is on point.”

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