The Atlanta Falcons traded a 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon, but there wasn't a new contract announced with the trade. Judon is entering the final year of his contract and is owed $6.5 million this season and was vocal while with the Patriots about asking for a new deal. Are the Falcons prepared to offer him a contract extension, or are they viewing him as a potential one-and-done player?
It might appear that Judon is comfortable heading to free agency and just didn't want to play his final season under his current contract on a team that isn't contending (New England). It also just may be a situation where it will take time for the Falcons to free up cap space before a long-term deal could be done, however.
The Falcons restructed Chris Lindstrom's deal to dreate the space needed to bring Judon in on his current deal. It would be necessary to move more money around if the plan is to sign Judon to a new deal.
Even if Judon is only with the Falcons for one season, it seems like a pretty low-risk move considering the cost would be less than $7 million and only a third-round pick for the trade. It definitely feels like a big win for the Falcons either way it plays out.