Jets AFC East Rival In Line to Trade Matthew Judon to Falcons

Now there is really no excuse for the New York Jets to fall in any game to the New England Patriots this season.

New England has traded Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick. Jordan Schultz was first on the potential trade with Adam Schefter on the official trade return to the Patriots.

Judon had been a four-time Pro Bowler from 2019-2022 and has totaled 66.5 sacks in eight NFL seasons.

His time with the rebuilding Patriots seemed to be coming to an end when the soon-to-be 32-year-old edge rusher was looking for a new contract and New England seemed unwilling to agree to one.

Now, Judon joins a Falcons team that is on the precipice of contending for the NFC crown, while the Patriots add even more draft capital for the 2025 offseason.

It's also worth noting that the Jets in this instance now get a far weaker Patriots team than before. Judon may have been older, but is still an elite player when on the field.

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New York will now get a division rival at their lowest point in decades with a chance to pick up two simple and expected wins on the 2024 schedule.

Those two could be the difference between a home playoff game, or a road contest come January.