NFL Trades: New England Patriots Traded Matthew Judon To Atlanta Falcons

New England Patriots Traded Matthew Judon To Atlanta FalconsPhoto byAtlanta Falcons

He was one of the players who has been waiting for a new contract. But apparently it wasn’t meant to be because the New England Patriots have traded Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. Many outlets had reported the trade yesterday and today it was officially announced on the team’s website. The linebacker was traded in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. Judon was a Patriots fan favorite so there are likely many sad faces in New England today.

Judon was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was with the Ravens from 2016-2020. As a rookie he became the backup weakside linebacker behind veterans Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith to begin the 2016 regular season. Due to the Ravens having a lot of depth at the position he played minimally. He didn’t make his first start until the 2017 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Judon played under the franchise tag in 2020. He finished the season with six sacks, one safety, 50 total tackles (32 solo), and two passes defended.

In March 2021 the Patriots signed Judon to a four-year, $56 million contract. That year he earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He amassed 12.5 sacks, 60 total tackles (38 solo), one pass defended, and one fumble recovery. He was ranked 52nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022. Overall in his career he went to four consecutive Pro Bowls (2019-2022). He played in 114 games with 82 starts and has registered 366 total tackles, 66½ sacks, 14 passes defensed, 9 forced fumbles, 4 forced fumbles and two safeties.

New England Patriots Traded Matthew Judon To Atlanta Falcons

The falcons are getting a defensive veteran of eight seasons who was the Patriot’s most potent edge rusher. And his three-down ability was critical to the team’s defensive success in recent years. Judon will likely be a boost to Atlanta’s pass rush defense. Head coach Raheem Morris believes Judon will be a game wrecker saying: “His reputation precedes himself.”

However, Jonathan Jones, Lead NFL Insider for @NFLonCBS posted some details about the trade:

“Matt Judon will come to Atlanta without a new contract in hand, sources say, and there’s not an expectation one is imminent. He’s set to play for the Falcons on his current deal that’s paying $6.5 million. Doing this indicates a great deal of trust among all involved parties. A trade with no extension requires heavy and clear communication, and I’m told that’s what took place.”

Hopefully things will work out for Judon eventually.

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