In March 2023, the Falcons made Chris Lindstrom the NFL’s highest-paid guard. The Pro Bowler remains second on that list, but multiple developments requiring additional funds have prompted Atlanta to adjust its top O-lineman’s deal.
The Falcons moved part of Lindstrom’s $12.5MM salary into a signing bonus, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. More specifically, Atlanta created just less than $9MM via this restructure, according to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, who indicates the team dropped Lindstrom’s base number to $1.3MM.
This is a common tactic that occurs dozens of times per year around the NFL, and the Falcons may not be done rearranging funds. They are bringing in Matt Judon‘s $6.5MM base salary and met with Justin Simmons last week. Atlanta came into Thursday with just more than $7MM in cap space, which sat 30th in the NFL. Jessie Bates‘ deal, Auman adds, could also be restructured to create 2024 cap space.
No extension is imminent with Judon, who is not planning to take Haason Reddick‘s path and stay away from his new team absent a deal. It would not surprise if Judon was a limited practice participant, however, as it is not yet known if the veteran edge rusher (32 today) received assurances his contract would be adjusted. As the Patriots went through an uncharacteristic spree of pricey extensions and re-signings, Judon’s deal went untouched. This naturally prompted frustration on the player’s part, and the Pats ended the saga — the New England part of it, at least — by collecting a third-round pick from the Falcons.
Simmons, 30, would not be expected to sign a lucrative deal. The four-time All-Pro remaining in free agency for this long effectively confirms he was unhappy with his market. Several safeties became cap casualties this offseason, with Simmons the most accomplished of the group. The rest of that lot found deals, however. It should be expected Simmons signs somewhere soon, and it probably will take more than the veteran minimum. He also visited the Saints, who are keeping tabs on the eight-year Bronco.
As for Lindstrom, he remains tied to the five-year, $102.5MM extension he signed last March. The contract runs through 2028. The two-time All-Pro will now see some money early, via this base-to-bonus conversion — one that certainly could precede other notable Falcons transactions.