Mayo talks Judon trade: 'We've gone years' without a premier rusher

Jerod Mayo eased concerns about the effects of trading Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matt Judon following the New England Patriots' preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

"We've gone years without having a premier rusher – Chandler Jones, the Judons of the world – but we were able to manufacture pass rush through our stunts and games and our game planning," Mayo said. "It's not going to be one person. It's hard to sit here and say one person can replace Matthew Judon, both on the field and off the field. But I think we have a good group ready to go and step into those shoes."

New England traded Judon to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday for a 2025 third-round pick. The veteran pass-rusher was disgruntled, as he didn't receive a contract extension from the Patriots this offseason. Judon, who signed with the AFC East franchise in 2021, is entering the final year of his deal and is slated to earn $6.5 million in base salary.

"I felt like it's a win-win for both parties and I wish him nothing but the best," Mayo said of Judon. "I always tell the guys these are long-term relationships and nothing's changed."

Judon enjoyed the best years of his career in New England. He recorded 32 sacks in 38 games with the franchise, including a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022.