Posted on Aug 15
Falcons' Jessie Bates invites players to join the wave of success in Atlanta
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The Atlanta Falcons are making strategic moves to strengthen their roster and make a playoff push in 2024.
Why it matters: These acquisitions address key areas of need for the Falcons and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.
- The addition of Justin Simmons adds depth and talent to the safety position, forming a strong combination with Jessie Bates III.
- Trading for Matthew Judon bolsters their pass rush and addresses a long-standing need on defense.
What's new: The Falcons have signed Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million contract and acquired Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots in exchange for a third-round pick.
Yes, but: Safety DeMarcco Hellams' ankle injury is expected to keep him out for a significant amount of time, further emphasizing the importance of adding depth at the position.
What to watch: Keep an eye on how the revamped defense performs during training camp and preseason games. The Falcons' success will heavily depend on their ability to improve on that side of the ball.
What's next: The Falcons are restructuring Chris Lindstrom's contract to create salary cap space for these new acquisitions, highlighting their commitment to building a competitive roster.
- The team is confident in their offensive firepower after signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason.
The bottom line: With these moves, the Falcons are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC. The additions of Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon strengthen their defense, complementing their potent offense led by Kirk Cousins.