As a pending free agent attached to a below-market contract, Matt Judon‘s financial situation was a point of contention this offseason. His trade from the Patriots to the Falcons paved the way for a change of scenery, but it does not appear it will be accompanied by a new deal. 
Judon is due $7.5MM in 2024, including a $6.5MM base salary which will lock in just before Week 1. He publicly stated he sees his value on a multi-year deal as being much closer to the top of the edge rush market, although his 2023 biceps injury limits his leverage in seeking a raise. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said in the wake of the trade the team was comfortable in not pursing an extension agreement, and the four-time Pro Bowler is on board with that approach.
“The Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man,” Judon said when speaking to the media on Monday (via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi). “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.”
The 32-year-old did not receive a new financial commitment from the Patriots – something which was the case for a slew of other New England players this offseason. That resulted in brief missed time at training camp before a return to practice and an increase in trade interest from outside teams. The Bears joined the Falcons in offering a third-round pick, and a Sunday report indicated Judon was given the choice between the two teams.
The former fifth-rounder declined to offer a firm comment on that subject during his media availability, but in any event he will be counted on to provide high-end production with the Falcons. Judon racked up 32 sacks in 33 Patriots games, and a strong (not to mention healthy) campaign in Atlanta will help his market value. It seems his next contract will have to wait until after his debut Falcons season, though.
I love the attitude and hope he shows up healthy and the Falcons find a way to extend him before the season starts. I know things didn’t work out in NE, but this is a new chapter.
He could have stood his ground, but in doing so I think he would have had to ask for less money than if he has a great season. That is no small injury and any team has a right to be worried. But I am now rooting for him to do well and get paid, even if it’s not the Falcons.
Love the attitude. Work for it!
So it wasn’t really about the money in NE…all that talk about wanting to finish his career in NE was just smoke. Good luck in ATL, hope for the Falcons you can stay healthy for once.
Apparently he doesn’t want to play in Chicago so…. Advantage Chicago next year. I feel better already.
This is great! He whined and acted like a baby when he couldn’t get more money/extension from NE but, now, he’s all cool about it and isn’t pushing for an extension. If he had no intention of getting an extension why bother? Because he kept acting out and started burning bridges in NE and they had no choice at that point but to trade his a$$ before he became a cancer in the locker room.