The Patriots trade Pro Bowler Matt Judon to the Falcons after contract negotiations reach a stalemate.
The New England Patriots and Matthew Judon have finally resolved their contract impasse, but it didn’t end with the star linebacker staying in Foxborough. Instead, the four-time Pro Bowler is heading to the Atlanta Falcons after the Patriots traded him for a 2025 NFL Draft third-round pick, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Judon, who was seeking a new contract this offseason, had been in the final year of his deal with the Patriots, earning a base salary of $6.5 million. However, negotiations with the Patriots didn’t go as planned, leading to a stalemate that carried into training camp. With both sides unable to agree on a new deal, the Patriots decided to move on, sending Judon to the Falcons, who are in dire need of help on the defensive line.
One Patriots insider remarked, “Judon was a force for us, but sometimes business decisions take precedence. We wish him the best in Atlanta.”
Interestingly, while Judon now has a fresh start with a new team, the Falcons and Judon have yet to finalize a new contract, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This adds another layer of uncertainty to Judon’s future as he transitions to Atlanta.
Judon’s departure from New England comes after a heated exchange with new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo during training camp. Although the details of the argument were not disclosed, it was clear that tensions were high. Despite the friction, Judon had expressed a desire to remain with the Patriots. However, the trade now marks a new chapter for him in the NFC South.
Judon’s 2023 season was cut short after he suffered a bicep injury, limiting him to just four games. Despite the limited playing time, he still managed to record four sacks, 13 tackles, and nine quarterback hits, showcasing his impact when healthy. In the previous two seasons, Judon was a dominant force, tallying 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, earning him back-to-back Pro Bowl selections.
Over his eight-year NFL career, which began with the Baltimore Ravens, Judon has accumulated an impressive 66.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. His consistent production earned him four straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2019 to 2022, solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player.
The Patriots undoubtedly valued Judon’s contributions on the field, but the team’s financial priorities seemed to lie elsewhere. This offseason, New England handed out lucrative extensions to several key players, including safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, and defensive lineman Christian Barmore. The team also extended contracts to offensive players like running back Rhamondre Stevenson and offensive tackle Mike Onwenu. Unfortunately for Judon, a contract extension wasn’t in the cards, leading to his eventual trade.
For the Falcons, the acquisition of Judon addresses a pressing need, especially after their rookie edge rusher Bralen Trice was placed on injured reserve. The team had already been searching for additional defensive line help, and Judon’s arrival is expected to bolster their pass rush significantly.
As Judon prepares to suit up for the Falcons, the team and its fans will be eager to see how quickly he can make an impact. Given his track record, there’s no doubt that Judon has the potential to be a game-changer for Atlanta’s defense.
With the NFL season underway, all eyes will be on Judon as he embarks on this new journey with the Falcons, hoping to continue his legacy as one of the league’s elite pass rushers.
