FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons declared weekday that they need placed a non-exclusive franchise tack on defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Although the tag prevents Jarrett from changing into a free agent and keeps him with the Falcons for the 2019 season, head Thomas Dimitroff says it had been solely applied in order that conversations on a extended extension will continue.

“As we've aforementioned since the tip of the season, obtaining a deal through with Grady is our priority,” Dimitroff aforementioned. “Applying the franchise tag to him doesn't amendment that in any approach. Our aim is for Grady to be Associate in Nursing integral a part of our arrange for several years to return and this enables USA to increase our negotiating window.”

Jarrett, a fifth-round draft choose for the Falcons within the 2015 NFL Draft, has quickly become one among the highest penetrating defensive tackles within the league. And he’s solely trended upwards in this time.

After a break Super Bowl performance during which he pillaged Patriots quarterback Tom Brady 3 times, Jarrett, 25, has attained a combined ten sacks over the past 2 seasons, as well as a career-best six in 2018.

Jarrett has additionally well-tried to be Associate in Nursing plus against the endure the Falcons, recording 179 tackles, thirty one tackles for a loss and 3 forced fumbles in his four NFL seasons.

In addition to what he brings on the sphere, Jarrett could be a leader each within the room and in the community.

Prior to the 2018 season, Jarrett was at the forefront of the Falcons' social justice initiative and partnered with organizations like the At Promise Center and therefore the Thomasville Heights Boys & women Club to market anti-bullying and speaking up concerning past experiences. that employment and past community campaigns junction rectifier to the Falcons nominating Jarrett for the music director Payton Man of the Year Award in 2018.

Dimitroff declared at the beginning of this offseason that agreeing to Associate in Nursing extension with Jarrett was among the highest priorities for the organization. By exploitation the franchise tack on Jarrett, the Falcons will currently still work on achieving that goal.