The Falcons are working to finalize a trade that would send Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon to Atlanta for a third-round pick in 2025. Judon is a premier talent but he will come at a premium price.
The team would need at least $6.5 million for Judon’s base salary, which is greater than the $3.5 million it currently has available. Plus, the 31-year-old edge rusher will likely want an extension. So, how can the Falcons create the funds they need for Judon?
Option 1: Who can the Falcons cut?
DeAngelo Malone seems like a player likely on the chopping block due to his lack of production and the amount of cap space he could free up. Malone being cut would save the Falcons $1.1 million, leaving just a few million more to.
Tommy Togiai, Avery Williams and Jordan Thomas are three other players who could potentially be used to make room for Judon. These three combined would free up $3.1 million. Additionally, other cuts will be coming soon as the team trims its roster down to 53 players.
Option 2: Who could likely be restructured?
Any of the team’s highest earners would free up immediate funds but don’t expect to see Kirk Cousins, Jake Matthews or Grady Jarrett among those restructured. Cousins just joined the team over the offseason and both Matthews and Jarrett have already restructured recently.
However, safety Jessie Bates or guard Chris Lindstrom could be potential candidates to rework their deals. A Bates restructure could create $7.9 million while Lindstrom’s deal could be reworked to free up $9.1 million.
Option 3: Judon could sign an extension
Currently, Judon is slated to be a free agent after the 2024 season with his 2025 year being voided. The most probable outcome here is that when the deal is finalized, Judon will sign an extension with Atlanta. This would likely lower his $6.5 million cap hit for 2024 in order to get a deal done.
Obviously, this could create some massive cap hits down the line, but that’s the cost of acquiring an elite edge rusher.
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