Patriots Trade LB Matthew Judon to Falcons

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots and linebacker Matthew Judon are going their separate ways.

The Patriots have reportedly finalized a trade that will send the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round draft choice in 2025, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

For much of the offseason, Judon and the Patriots have been surrounded by rumors regarding a potential contract extension for the four-time Pro Bowler. Emotions reached a fever pitch during Monday’s practice, when Judon was spotted having a pair of animated chats — one with head coach Jerod Mayo and the other with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, and director of player personnel Matt Groh. In each instance, Judon broke communication in a seemingly agitated state. He later left the field without participating in the team’s session.

Though his sentiments cooled since the on-field discussions took place, Judon’s resolve had not wavered. While he may have agreed to restructure the original four-year, $54.5 million contract he signed with New England in 2021, the Grand Valley State product appears to be seeking a new deal which will yield greater compensation than the $6.5 million he is set to earn this season — coincidentally, the final year of his contract.

Since his arrival in Foxboro during the 2021 offseason, Judon has been the team’s number one player on the edge. In his first year with the Pats, Judon amassed 60 tackles, one fumble recovery and 12.5 sacks. He eclipsed those totals in 2022 with a career-high 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles (recovering one), while once again logging 60 total tackles. At the time of his season-ending biceps injury during Week 4, Judon was arguably New England’s most accomplished defensive player. In just four games, he led the Patriots with nine quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss, four sacks and one safety.