Falcons finalizing trade for Patriots EDGE Matthew Judon, per report

According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Atlanta Falcons are finalizing a trade to acquire New England Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract but could not reach a long-term extension with the Patriots.

It’s unclear how the Falcons created the cap space to land Judon’s $6.5 million base salary, but the pass rush has been an issue in Atlanta for far too long. Judon posted a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022. According to Schultz, the Falcons sent a third-round pick to New England for the star pass rusher.

Judon, 31, was drafted in the fifth round by the Ravens back in 2016. After a solid first five seasons in Baltimore, Judon had two of the best seasons of his career in New England. He posted 12.5 sacks in 2021 before his 15.5-sack season in 2022. Last year, he only appeared in four games.

The Falcons just lost third-round pick Bralen Trice to an ACL injury and was a position the team attempted to upgrade multiple times under general manager Terry Fontenot. Atlanta will reportedly absorb Judon’s $6.5 million base salary, per ESPN’s Field Yates.