Falcons' Grady Jarrett proudly takes credit for luring Justin Simmons to Atlanta

Following a trade for Matthew Judon, the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with Justin Simmons. This news came after Simmons met with the New Orleans Saints earlier in anticipation of a possible deal. Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett took credit for luring Simmons to Atlanta.

"It was awesome being able to spend time with him and the people we had at dinner and just to get to know him a little more as a person," Garrett said on Good Morning Football.

"As we’re leaving dinner, pulling off, I was driving something real nice that night, as the valet’s bringing my car up, I’m pulling off and told him, ‘Hey Justin, this is how Atlanta take care of you right here, baby’. Then I went home … and I let the rest take care of itself.’ I'm happy to have him and I know he’s going to bring a lot to the team."

Fans, though waiting for Simmons to prove himself on the field, agree that the Falcons managed to crack a good deal with the safety.

Atlanta Falcons signs Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons in 24 hours

The Falcons have focused on bettering their defense before the season begins. And within 24 hours, they signed two defensive stalwarts.

Starting with Judon, the team is predicted to ink a long-term deal with the linebacker before the season begins in September. Making four Pro Bowls in a row (2019–2022), the LB could be a good fit for the Falcons team.

With the Patriots previously, Judon recorded 120 tackles and 28 sacks in 2021 and 2022. However, he missed most of his 2023 season due to a bicep injury in Week 4.

Simmons, on his end, is a four-time second-team All-Pro. He has recorded 604 tackles, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 30 interceptions, and one defensive TD in his career.

The Falcons begin their season on September 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.