The Atlanta Falcons have made two major moves just in time for the start of the free agency "legal tampering" period. On Sunday evening, the team gave left tackle Jake Matthews a two-year, $45 million extension. Then on Monday morning, the team released veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett after 10 NFL seasons.

By extending the contract of left tackle Jake Matthews, the Atlanta Falcons are on the right side of the salary cap line before free agency begins.

The Falcons could clear another $9 million by restructuring with cornerback A.J. Terrell. The former first-round pick was extended by the team last season. Terrell's current contract ends in 2028, so there is some wiggle room if the team goes this route.

The Atlanta Falcons have made their first major move ahead of the NFL's 2025 free agency period. According to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, veteran left tackle Jake Matthews has agreed to a two-year, $45 million extension.

Jake Matthews has been one of the core pieces of this Atlanta Falcons offense more or less since he was drafted. The team’s longtime left tackle now figures to be entering his first season where he won’t be protecting his quarterback’s blind side—Michael Penix is left-handed,