Poised to be one of the top free agent offensive linemen available, Drew Dalman expressed interest in staying with the Falcons. The team will now take a look at what it will take to make that happen.
The Falcons will meet with their starting center’s camp at the Combine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter notes. Terry Fontenot stopped short of calling Dalman a player the franchise wants to keep, but the upcoming conversations point to the organization at least determining a price point.
Dalman, 26, replaced Matt Hennessy at center and started for most of the past three seasons. An ankle injury tripped up the former fourth-round pick last year, but Pro Football Focus has graded him as a top-five pivot in each of the past two years. After Lloyd Cushenberry parlayed a good contract year in Denver into $26MM guaranteed at signing — then the second-most among centers — Dalman will probably be angling for a similar number, especially after the news of the salary cap’s latest $20MM-plus spike.
The Falcons, however, have three veteran contracts along their O-line already, rostering Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary. Atlanta’s right tackle is, however, in a contract year. The Falcons have until 11am CT on March 10 to conduct exclusive negotiations with Dalman and their other UFAs-to-be.
One of their other unsigned starters, Matt Judon is set to hit the market for the second time. The Falcons have not contacted Judon’s camp about a re-signing yet, Ledbetter adds. That could take place in Indianapolis, but Judon did not reprise his pre-injury form after being acquired for a third-round pick last summer. Despite pursuing better Patriots terms in 2024, Judon did not seek a Falcons extension upon arrival.
The former Division II success story, after suffering a season-ending biceps tear in 2023, posted 5.5 sacks and nine QB hits. Both totals pale in comparison to his peak Patriots and Ravens work, not providing much momentum for a free agency payday. Judon’s age (33 in August) will not help his cause, either. But he should at least attract interest from teams considering a midlevel contract to help their edge-rushing units.
The other veteran added on defense shortly before the season, Justin Simmons is expected to reach the market, according Channel 2 Action News’ Zach Klein. Simmons started 16 games for the Falcons last season, intercepting two passes. Like Judon, however, the four-time All-Pro did not deliver…