The Falcons reportedly have not signed a new contract with Matt Judon

The Atlanta Falcons have completed the trade of Matthew Judon, but according to Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS, the team has not yet signed a new contract with the former New England Patriots outside linebacker.

The four-time Pro Bowler will play in Atlanta for the same $6.5 million he would have cost in New England.

“According to sources, Matt Judon, the Falcons’ new pass rusher, will come to Atlanta without a new contract and is not expected to receive one anytime soon,” Jones posted on X. “Based on his current contract, which pays him $6.5 million, he is expected to play for the Falcons.”

Falcons new pass rusher Matt Judon will come to Atlanta without a new contract, sources say, and one isn’t expected to come anytime soon. His current contract, which pays him $6.5 million, calls for him to play for the Falcons.

– Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) 15 August 2024

This is a risky move for the Falcons, as they received a third-round draft pick in exchange for the Patriots.

The New York Jets are currently in a similar predicament with linebacker Haason Reddick, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round draft pick. Reddick recently requested a trade after failing to agree to a new contract with the Jets.

It is a chaotic situation that could have been avoided if the Jets had agreed on the contract parameters with the player before the transfer.

Now the Falcons have voluntarily decided to take the same risk with Judon.

This may not be a case where the player stamps his feet and asks to be traded. Judon could very well play out the remainder of his contract and leave as a free agent for nothing – all at the expense of a third-round draft pick.