Over a 24-hour span, the Atlanta Falcons traded for Pro Bowl edge-rusher Matthew Judon, and signed Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons. Hype surrounding the franchise’s potential to win the NFC South, as well as make a deep playoff run, has increased significantly. Steak Shapiro believes Atlanta has to take advantage of the additions of Judon and Simmons right now.
“The roster composition that they have been able to put together,” Shapiro started as he began to explain to Sandra Golden how he believes teams win with stars and the current makeup of the Falcons roster elevates them into the winning conversations. “Stars win, this team’s roster is getting loaded.”
Shapiro highlighted players such as Jessie Bates, Grady Jarrett, Kirk Cousins, and Drake London.
As their conversation continued, Shapiro noted with the additions of Judon and Bates, the Falcons are not only getting Pro Bowl caliber players, they are also getting players who will perform at a high level due to the fact they will be seeking new contracts after this season.
“Here’s the unique thing, you have two guys on one-year deals,” Shapiro said as he detailed how in normal situations, players coming up on the end of their contracts can at times be a distraction for a franchise, yet does not foresee that being the case for the Falcons. “What do you think they are going to play like sitting there with one more contract to go? Probably looking to have their best seasons ever."
“It’s just unique,” Shapiro continued as he explained why he believes the Falcons are in a position, with Judon and Simmons on the roster, they may never find themselves in again. “This is not a roster you can put together in another year, you just can’t. These one-year deals are going to want to be three- and four-year deals.”
Shapiro explained Judon and Simmons will likely want contracts that could impact deals with A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates, and other vital Falcons players.
“You just can’t do everything, but this year you can,” Shapiro said.
