The Atlanta Falcons made one of the biggest splashes in franchise history when they acquired two Pro Bowl quality defenders over a two-day span. Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons will take this defense from a unit loaded with question marks to one that oozes potential ahead of the 2024 season.
To discuss what went into the process of bringing in the prized free agent, Justin Simmons' agent, Todd France, joined The Steakhouse to give more details.
According to France, assistant general manager Ryan Pace had been keeping tabs on Simmons throughout the free agency process going back to March. While the groups were going back and forth, a deal hadn't fully come together.
The safety was biding his time and simply waiting for the right opportunity to arise.
In the meantime, Simmons was actively taking visits to other teams, most notably with the New Orleans Saints earlier this week. However, the Falcons called with a renewed interest in the wake of DeMarcco Hellams' preseason injury and he was quick to take the trip to Atlanta.
There was already interest in the Falcons, but what sealed the deal was dinner with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot at Chops in Buckhead. Players Jessie Bates, Grady Jarrett, and AJ Terrell were also in attendance.
"[Simmons] was just blown away," France said. "He loved everything -- loved what they had going on, loved their philosophy, and he thought that the situation really fit his game in terms of the defense and the scheme. That's ultimately what gave me [his agent] the green light to have the conversations for about 24 to 36 hours with Terry and them to see if we could work out a deal."
The energy after getting the deal done was palpable from all parties.
"When I called [Justin] and the deal was done, I put him on a three-way call with Terry," France continued. "I wanted Justin to be the one to tell him that he was going to take the deal. Terry was so excited that he walked down to Coach [Raheem]'s office and they were all fired up."
The Falcons have completely reshaped the outlook of their defense in a matter of days. They now feature the best safety duo in the NFL, with Simmons slotting in alongside another All-Pro in Jessie Bates, and could have one of the best secondaries to boot.
This is only one day after adding a true stud pass rusher in Judon.
"You guys have landed two stud [players] in July-August as if they were stud free agents in March," France finished. "So it's a huge move by the Falcons. Huge."
