The Falcons shocked a lot of fans in Atlanta when they made the acquisitions of Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons.
Judon was had in a trade that sent a third-round pick to New England, while Simmons quickly followed and inked a one-year free agent deal worth $9 million. The Falcons became exponentially better overnight.
Simmons joined Atlnata, in part, due to Judon’s acquisition, and the Patriots were shopping the pass rusher because he wanted a new contract. The thought was that the Falcons would acquiesce, but that isn’t the case. Judon isn’t expecting to get a new contract in Atlanta.Â
“The Atlanta Falcons know nothing about me as a football player and about me as a man,” Judon said. “They really know my previous résumé. So, I can’t really demand or ask for anything that. I haven’t worked for. And that’s where I’ve been my whole life. So, I’m [going to] work for it, man.”
The Falcons and Matthew Judon would be wise to get an extension done. Atlanta has needed a reliable pass rusher since John Abraham was terrorizing quarterbacks in the Georgia Dome, while Judon is a 32-year-old coming off a season-ending injury and could use some security.
One aspect of potential negotiations that could go a long way is personability. The Falcons should take heed of the Patriots’ mistake of communicating via text message or phone calls, instead of in-person.
"We never sat down and came to the table… it was just always through text message or phone calls."
Matthew Judon reveals 'biggest disconnect' between himself and the Patriots pic.twitter.com/vmwiRhrybr
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 19, 2024
One thing the Falcons do not lack is connecting with their players. In fact, it’s been a flaw of Arthur Blank. The organization’s owner has long been regarded as a player’s owner that will give anything and everything that is asked of him, including at the negotiating table.
Falcons fans do not have to worry about a potential deal getting done if Matthew Judon wants to be in Atlanta. Blank will make sure he feels the love. There won’t be text messages. It’ll be a private jet to Blank’s yacht.
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Photo: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire
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