Falcons acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from Patriots

Pass rusher Matthew Judon was traded from New England to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick, ending a contract-related dispute with the Patriots.

Judon, who celebrated his 32nd birthday Thursday, had 28.0 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots but his 2023 campaign was cut short because of a biceps rupture.

Judon was entering the final season of a four-year, $54.5 million contract that was to pay him $6.5 million in base salary, and he was seeking a new deal with New England. He was spotted having an animated conversation with Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo on the sideline during a practice session -- in which Judon was not a participant -- last month.

Of the 14 training camp practices the Patriots have held since camp began, Judon had kept himself out of two.

NFL Network reported the Falcons are not planning to negotiate a new contract with Judon prior to the 2024 season.

Judon played for the Baltimore Ravens (2016-20) before joining the Patriots (2021-23). The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Grand Valley State. He signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2021.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection (2019-22) has played in 114 games with 82 starts and has registered 369 total tackles, 66.5 sacks, 165 QB hits, 14 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two safeties. In addition, he has played in five postseason games with three starts and registered 14 total tackles.

Judon set personal bests with 12.5 sacks and 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons with New England before being limited to four games due to injury last season.

--Field Level Media