The New England Patriots are trading star pass-rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Atlanta is set to receive the four-time Pro Bowler in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Judon, who turns 32 this Thursday, is moving on after failing to secure a contract extension with New England before the 2024 season. The trade comes shortly after he returned to practice following a heated dispute with Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo two weeks ago.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that while the Falcons have not yet finalized a new contract with Judon, both parties are working towards an agreement before the regular season begins. Schultz noted that several teams expressed interest in Judon, with the trade ultimately coming down to the Falcons and the Chicago Bears.
The addition of Judon addresses a significant need for the Falcons at the pass-rusher position, especially after losing 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice to a season-ending knee injury last week.
Judon is entering the final year of a four-year deal he signed with New England in 2019 and is set to earn a $6.5 million base salary under the current agreement. Despite a reported contract offer from the Patriots this summer, Judon declined the deal.
Since joining the Patriots as a free agent in 2021, Judon has been a key player in their defense, recording 12.5 sacks in his first year and increasing that to 15.5 in 2022. Last season, however, Judon was limited to just four games due to a torn bicep.
Over his career, which began when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, Judon has amassed 369 tackles, 87 tackles for loss, and 66.5 sacks.
