Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper greets Atlanta Falcon player Grady Jarrett, at the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Salute to Service game, Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 24, 2019. — DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando

The Atlanta Falcons are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett just hours before the start of free agency.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have even more options to spend their salary cap space after yet another talented defensive lineman is heading to the open market.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Jarrett, 31, just wrapped up his 10th season with the Falcons, who drafted him in the fifth round (No. 137 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. In 2024, he had 53 tackles (30 solo) and 2.5 sacks.

The veteran defensive tackle’s best football is likely behind him, but he could still prove to be a reliable player for a team looking to strengthen its defensive line this offseason.

The Steelers seem to be one of those teams after general manager Omar Khan revealed at his NFL Scouting Combine press conference that the team will be looking to make a splash acquisition on the defensive line.

Pittsburgh is looking to replicate a similar blueprint to that of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and the Steelers have made the trenches a point of emphasis since Khan and assistant general manager Andy Weidl were hired in 2022.

The Steelers have spent five draft picks in the past two drafts in the third round or earlier on positions all along the defensive and offensive lines.

Pittsburgh could also look to further strengthen its trenches via the 2025 NFL Draft, which is rich with defensive line talent. However, the team could certainly look to make an upgrade with a player like Jarrett in free agency, as well.

In Jarrett’s 10 seasons in the NFL, he has 496 tackles (267 solo), 36.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and six passes defensed.

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