Trading disgruntled star was a win-win for Patriots

It's never easy to watch a relationship crumble over money. However, in the case of four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon, things couldn't have worked out better for the New England Patriots.

On Wednesday, the Patriots dealt Judon to the pass-rush-needy Atlanta Falcons . In exchange, New England received a 2025 third-round pick, a healthy return considering the circumstances.

Judon staged a "hold-in" during training camp last season, which resulted in the Patriots reworking his deal. However, a year later, entering the final season of a four-year, $54.4 million contract, similar issues resurfaced, leading to the two sides parting ways.

On July 29, Judon had several animated conversations with Patriots brass, including head coach Jerod Mayo, vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh. Then, on July 31, he denied reports that New England had offered him a new contract.

On the surface, it seemed that the Patriots were doomed to either give into Judon or, with dwindling leverage, trade the disgruntled defensive end for pennies on the dollar.

Instead, New England took the patient approach, and it paid off.

The Falcons were already hurting for pass-rush help following the departures of Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree in free agency, and the need became even more dire after they placed third-rounder Bralen Trice on injured reserve Sunday. Seeing the opportunity, the Patriots struck, lessening the blow of losing Judon by receiving a higher return than many thought possible only a few weeks ago.

Ideally, the Patriots wouldn't want to part with a player who, before having his 2023 season cut short by a bicep injury, had posted 28 sacks over the previous two campaigns. However, where the franchise stands, it didn't make sense to lock up Judon, who will be 32 years old when the 2024 season kicks off.

The loss might hurt in the short term, but now, New England has four picks among the top 100 in the 2025 draft. Meanwhile, the Patriots have nine selections total, tied for the second-most in the NFL behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (10).