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As a pending free agent attached to a below-market contract, Matthew 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 $7.5M in 2024, including a $6.5M 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.
More must-reads:
- Patriots did favor for Matthew Judon by trading him to Falcons?
- Falcons HC Raheem Morris struggles to explain Michael Penix Jr.'s preseason sit
- The 'Atlanta Falcons head coaches' quiz
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Broncos agree to extension with leading WR
As expected, a deal is indeed in place between Courtland Sutton and the Broncos. The sides agreed to an extension on Monday, as first reported by Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. This will be a four-year pact, per the report. Sutton’s new deal is worth $92M. It ensures a free agent departure will not be possible next spring and keeps him under contract through the 2029 campaign. The contract contains $41M in total guarantees, per 9News’ Mike Klis, including $27M in new locked in compensation. Having reported to training camp — but participated on a limited basis — Sutton remained a figure to watch regarding a deal being struck in time for Week 1. Earlier Monday, reports indicated progress had been made toward a deal. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the news of an agreement was coming soon, and that has now taken place. Prior to Monday, Sutton was due to collect $14M in 2025. The 29-year-old has now secured a raise, albeit one which does not move him particularly close to the top of the receiver market. With an average annual value of $23M, this extension will move Sutton into a tie with Calvin Ridley for 18th in terms of yearly compensation at the position. Team and player agreed to a one-year compromise last summer, with 2025 emerging as the time for a long-term arrangement to be made. Nevertheless, the likes of Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen appeared to enter training camp as higher priorities for Denver with respect to working out an extension. In the end, though, it is Sutton who is the first member of that trio to secure a raise. It will be interesting to see if Monday’s move is followed by other big-ticket agreements for the Broncos. Sutton has spent his entire seven-year career in the Mile High City, operating as a full-time starter along the way but not always managing to produce at an elite level. The former second-rounder notched 1,000 yards for the first time in his career in 2019, but he did not duplicate that feat until this past campaign. Enjoying a strong year with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Sutton set a new career high with 81 catches and managed eight touchdowns. Denver has repeatedly drafted complementary wideouts dating back to before the Payton era began in 2023. As a result, the likes of Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant will be counted on as contributors for Nix’s second NFL season. Out of Denver’s receivers, though, Sutton will of course again be relied on to lead the way. If he can duplicate the success of 2024, the team’s offense could improve from last year’s impressive showing. This offseason has seen a number of changes made in Denver’s backfield as the team seeks a more consistent run game. It will be interesting to see how the new faces at the running back spot fare, but in any event Sutton will continue as a mainstay and a focal point for Nix to target. That will also be the case well beyond the 2025 campaign.
Tigers Reportedly Trying to Finalize Eugenio Suárez Trade Before Diamondbacks Leave
The Detroit Tigers may not be out of it just yet in the pursuit of the top available player at this week's MLB trade deadline. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez is sought after by just about every contender due to the incredible season he's had so far. However, many called into question how much of a fit he is for the Tigers. On paper, Suárez makes the lineup more dangerous, but many have pointed out that his presence might limit what the Tigers do best in terms of creating mismatches and having chess pieces to move around the diamond. More News: Tigers Make Troy Melton Permanent Part of MLB Rotation With Surprising Move The fact he's a rental and still may cost some premium prospect capital to acquire only strengthens the case that Detroit could opt to stay away. A new report on Monday though contradicts all that, though. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Tigers are still very much a suitor for Suárez and want to get a deal done with the Diamondbacks before the slugger leaves town following this early-week series between the two sides. Through 104 games headed into the matchup with Detroit, Suárez is slashing .247/.319/.579 with 36 home runs and a big league-leading 87 RBI, already collecting a bWAR of 3.4. More News: Tigers Can Only Consider Trading Top Prospects at Deadline For These Four Stars There is no question that being able to land him would provide a massive boost to a Tigers offense that has been struggling immensely during the current cold streak these last couple of weeks. Suárez would instantly come in and add a new dynamic of power to the lineup while stabilizing what has been a revolving door at the hot corner all season long. How serious of an offer they are willing to make in order to make that happen remains to be seen. More News: Tigers Announce Surprising Move After Activating Kerry Carpenter from IL Detroit is positioned to win not just now, but in the future, so trading young assets for a rental would be a bold move indicating their belief in being a championship contender this year. If Nightengale is correct and the Tigers are trying to finalize a Suárez deal before he leaves the city of Detroit, look for the noise to heat up over the coming days. The spotlight on the 34-year-old this week is going to be one of the brightest of his Major League career. For more Tigers news, head over to Tigers On SI.
New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.
Colorado's Deion Sanders reveals massive medical problem he's been battling this offseason
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders detailed the medical issue he has battled throughout the offseason in a Monday news conference. The coach, who turns 58 on Aug. 9, wasn't with his team during summer camp in June. The Pro Football Hall of Famer revealed it was because he had previously been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The tumor was discovered during a routine vascular scan. Sanders' doctor, Janet Kukreja, said her team removed his bladder and used parts of his intestine to create a new one. The cancer is now gone, and he will continue to coach this season. "The process wasn't easy," Sanders said of the doctors giving him multiple options to treat the cancer. Sanders said he was aware of the surgery before the NFL Draft in April. However, he told his sons, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo, that he just had a foot issue. The coach explained he didn't want his sons to have more to worry about as they prepare for their NFL careers. "I wanted them to focus on making the team and not focused on Dad," Deion Sanders said. "So they really don't know. My daughters do and this joker right here. Much love to my son, [Deion Sanders Jr.], who [didn't] leave my side since we found what was taking place." Deion Sanders said he's still adjusting to changes after the surgery. The coach has a catheter and said Colorado will have a porta-potty on the sideline, just in case he needs to use the bathroom during practices or games. Deion Sanders made a will in May, according to a clip posted to Deion Sanders Jr.'s YouTube channel on Sunday. The coach, though, isn't letting the fear of death weigh on his mind. "I've got too much life in me to be thinking about death — we gotta win a darn championship," he said. Deion Sanders' health is still a concern. He has had 14 surgeries (including the removal of his bladder) since 2021. For now, he appears eager to return to coaching after overcoming one of the biggest medical problems of his life.
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