Atlanta Falcons Release Defensive Lineman Grady Jarrett After 10 Seasons

In a move that marks the end of an era, the Atlanta Falcons have released veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, the team announced today. Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive defensive players in franchise history, spent 10 seasons with the organization after being selected in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

Jarrett, 31, emerged as the heart and soul of Atlanta’s defense throughout his career. The 6-foot, 290-pound lineman appeared in 152 regular-season games, starting in 137 of them. During his time with the Falcons, Jarrett amassed 496 tackles (267 solo), 77 tackles for loss, and a franchise-record 126 quarterback hits. He also recorded 36.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, solidifying his status as a force on the defensive line.

The Conyers, Georgia native became a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defense and was known for his relentless motor and leadership both on and off the field. Jarrett’s impact extended into the postseason as well, where he started in all five of his playoff appearances. His most memorable postseason performance came during Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots, where he tied a Super Bowl record with three sacks. Across five playoff games, Jarrett totaled 12 tackles (nine solo), seven quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Beyond his on-field production, Jarrett was widely respected for his leadership and community involvement. He was named a team captain six times and was twice nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award (2018, 2024) in recognition of his off-the-field contributions. His presence in the locker room and the community made him one of the most beloved figures in the franchise.

““Over the past decade, Grady has exemplified true professionalism, leadership and humility while representing both the Falcons and the city of Atlanta. It has been an honor to witness Grady’s growth—not only as a team captain and Pro Bowl player on the field but also as a remarkable individual and family man off the field. Beyond his exceptional skills as a football player, Grady stands as a role model, consistently showing resilience in the face of adversity. His impact reaches far beyond the game – his tenacity and love for the those around him have inspired not only me, but teammates, staff and generations of Falcons fans alike. ” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement.

Jarrett’s departure signals a significant shift for the Falcons as they look to reshape their defense under head coach Raheem Morris. While the decision to release a cornerstone player is never easy, the move creates financial flexibility for Atlanta as they continue to build for the future.

As Jarrett enters the next chapter of his career, his legacy in Atlanta is firmly cemented. From his breakout performance in the Super Bowl to his years as a defensive leader and community ambassador, Jarrett’s impact will be felt long after his departure.

The future remains uncertain for Jarrett, but one thing is clear — he leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Atlanta Falcons history.