Report: Falcons' Lindstrom Restructures Contract, Clears Salary Cap amid Judon Rumors

The Atlanta Falcons are restructuring the contract of offensive guard Chris Lindstrom, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported a portion of Lindstrom's $12.5 million base salary will be converted into a signing bonus.

This move comes a day after the Falcons acquired veteran edge-rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. Beyond accommodating Judon's $6.5 million salary, Thursday's restructure could allow for the franchise to give the four-time Pro Bowler a raise as he approaches the final year of his contract.

However, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones downplayed the likelihood of an extension. He reported Judon will join Atlanta "without a new contract in hand" and one isn't expected soon.

The Falcons may have a different target in mind with the new cash they have thanks to lowering Lindstrom's salary. Free-agent safety Justin Simmons reportedly met with the team this week.

Lindstrom, who's coming off his second straight Pro Bowl nod, is only in the first year of his five-year, $102.5 million extension, so restructuring the deal comes with a long-term cost. The money is just shifted to further down the road.

That will be a concern for another day, though. For now, general manager Terry Fontenot is clearly angling for Atlanta to take a big step forward under first-year head coach Raheem Morris.