Patriots trade Judon to Falcons

The New England Patriots are trading star pass-rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, who announced the deal Wednesday.

Atlanta will acquire the four-time Pro Bowler in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Judon, who turns 32 on Thursday, finds a new home after failing to land an extension with New England ahead of the 2024 season. He recently returned to practice after getting into a heated argument with head coach Jerod Mayo a couple of weeks ago.

The Falcons don't have a new contract in place for Judon as part of the trade, but the two sides plan to work on finalizing an agreement before the start of the regular season, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Several teams were interested in trading for Judon, but it ultimately came down to the Falcons and Chicago Bears, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

The Falcons filled a need at pass-rusher with the addition of Judon. Atlanta lost 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice to a season-ending knee injury last week.

Judon is entering the final year of a four-year deal he signed with New England in 2021. He's scheduled to earn $6.5 million in base salary under the current agreement. The Patriots reportedly made a contract offer to the veteran defensive end this summer, but Judon rejected the deal.

Judon emerged as a disruptive force for the Patriots' defense after joining the team as a free agent in 2021. He recorded 12.5 sacks in his first year in New England and eclipsed that total with 15.5 in 2022. The former Grand Valley State star was limited to four games last season after sustaining a torn bicep.

Judon has recorded 369 tackles, 87 tackles for loss, and 66.5 sacks since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2016.