Matthew Judon preferred trade to Falcons over Bears, per report

After completing a trade for Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon last week, the Falcons finally have the impact edge rusher they’ve long needed. Atlanta sent a 2025 third-round pick to New England in exchange for Judon, but there was heavy competition on the trade market.

The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans were among the teams involved in trade talks. The deal reportedly came down to the Bears and Falcons, with both teams offering third-round picks in next year’s draft. According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, the Patriots didn’t feel there would be much difference in compensation and gave Judon the final say between Chicago and Atlanta.

Judon has been wildly productive throughout his NFL career, playing some of his best football over the last three seasons in New England. Since 2021, he has 32 career sacks in 38 games.

The veteran edge rusher will help replace injured rookie Bralen Trice, who tore his ACL in the preseason opener. Trice was just a third-round pick, but the team did little else to replace Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell over the offseason. Instead, the team loaded up on offense by signing Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Woerner.

With Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons entering the fold, this defense could be a top-10 unit. If Judon, who’s coming off a torn biceps injury, can stay healthy, there’s no limit to how far this team could go in 2024.