The Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett have come to terms on a new contract with the deadline for it fast approaching. Jarrett and the Falcons have agreed on a new, four-year deal worth $68 million.

Another deadline deal: Falcons and DT Grady Jarrett reached agreement on a four-year, $68 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Falcons beat deadline and lock up their DT. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019

Not only do the Falcons lock up one of their better defensive players, they do so without having to head into the season with unnecessary drama. Earlier this offseason, Atlanta had placed the franchise tag on Jarrett, and it’s unknown if Jarrett would have shown up at training camp without a new deal.

During his 2018 season, Jarrett played in 14 games for Atlanta, tallying 52 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles.

At just 26-years old, Jarrett is still primed to continue developing, and the Falcons hope that he’ll become one of the premier tackles in the league. With the type of contract that the team gave him, the hope and confidence is clearly there in the young player.

Jarrett was selected in the fifth round (137th pick overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, and didn’t contribute too much in his rookie season. After only registering 25 tackles in a depth role his rookie year, Jarrett became a full-time starter in his second season, totaling 48 tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery.

Coming into the 2019 season, Jarrett will be leaned upon heavily on a Falcons team that looks to make it back into the postseason after a disappointing 2018 campaign.

Now, he’ll look to continue improving upon that with the knowledge that he is financially secure for the time being.