Falcons' Judon: I'm going to 'work for' new deal
Matthew Judon believes he's in no position to demand a new contract from the Atlanta Falcons and instead plans on earning it.
Judon was traded to the Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick after he was unable to land a revised contract with the New England Patriots. The veteran pass-rusher is entering the final year of his contract and is slated to make $6.5 million in base salary in 2024.
"The Atlanta Falcons know nothing about me as a football player and about me as a man," Judon said Monday, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. "They really know my previous resume. 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."
Judon was not shy about his frustration with the Patriots during his final training camp with the team. He was involved in an animated argument with head coach Jerod Mayo on the field and reportedly denied a contract proposal from the franchise.
"It's always good to be wanted," Judon added. "I just have to go out there and give them what they want. If you don't, it turns on you real quick."
Atlanta's acquisition of Judon was not the only move the franchise made to improve its defense. The Falcons signed Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons following the trade.
Judon recorded 32 sacks over 38 games with the Patriots, including a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022.