When the Atlanta Falcons swung a trade for Matthew Judon last week, many assumed a contract extension would quickly follow. The former New England Patriots edge rusher is entering the final year of his deal and the Falcons are only paying his $6.5 million base pay.
Judon, 32, said he wouldn’t demand a contract extension when asked by local reporters on Monday, saying he wants to work for anything he gets in Atlanta.
“The Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man,” explained Judon. “They know my previous resume. I can’t really demand or ask for anything I haven’t worked for. I’m gonna work for it.”
Judon on a new contract: The #Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man. They know my previous resume. I can't really demand or ask for anything I haven't worked for. I'm gonna work for it.
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) August 19, 2024
Even though you could argue Judon’s production over the last three years is worthy of a lucrative contract, it sounds like New England was the only team he expected an extension from. With 32 sacks in 38 games for the Patriots, it’s easy to see why Judon felt that way.
The Falcons haven’t had an edge rusher as productive as Judon in several years and he’s a perfect fit in Atlanta. The team added some big pieces on offense but until last week, the defense hadn’t brought in any game-changing pieces. Head coach Raheem Morris said he would ease his two Pro Bowlers into the mix and focus on getting them ready for Week 1.
Atlanta has one more preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday before Arthur Smith and the Pittsburgh Steelers come to town to kick off the regular season. Check out the team’s updated 90-man roster following the latest transactions.
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