Falcons restructure Chris Lindstrom’s contract to clear cap space

The Atlanta Falcons rewarded Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom with a five-year, $105 million extension during the 2023 offseason and now Lindstrom is doing his part to return the favor.

The Falcons traded for Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon on Wednesday evening but needed a little help with their salary cap to complete the deal. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team restructured Lindstrom’s contract, converting part of his $12.5 million base pay into a bonus to help facilitate the trade.

Atlanta only needed about $3 million to afford Judon’s $6.5 million base pay but Lindstrom’s reworked contract gives the team more space to use on a potential extension. According to Over The Cap’s updated projections, the Falcons have $7,093,471 left after trading for Judon.

Judon, 32, can be the difference-maker the team has long been seeking off the edge. In 2022, the former Patriots edge rusher posted a career-high 15.5 sacks. Judon suffered a torn bicep injury that shortened his 2023 campaign.

The Falcons lost third-round pick Bralen Trice to a torn ACL last week and while the rookie wasn’t expected to start, it was still a major hit to the team’s pass rush. With Judon in the fold, Atlanta could be a legitimate threat in the NFC this season.