Patriots trade star Matthew Judon to Falcons: Reports

Matthew Judon's time in New England reportedly has come to an end after a tumultuous offseason.

The Patriots have traded the star outside linebacker to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round draft pick, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

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Sources: The #Patriots are trading pass-rusher Matthew Judon to the #Falcons, landing Atlanta a standout on defense. It’s a third-rounder going back.

At long last, New England resolves its situation with Judon with a trade. pic.twitter.com/VbehQTeu1X
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2024

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A third-rounder in next year’s draft for Matthew Judon is a better return than I anticipated. Patriots get worse defensively for 2024 but pick up an asset to build next offseason. https://t.co/PQ5eRDcDHN
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 14, 2024

The deal comes as the result of Judon and the Patriots failing to agree on a restructured contract. The four-time Pro Bowler, who turns 32 on Thursday, wanted a raise from the $6.5 million he is scheduled to make this season.

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Judon publicly expressed his frustration and even exchanged words with head coach Jerod Mayo and front office executives Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh during a practice. Unsurprisingly, he became the subject of trade rumors when it was clear the two sides were not close to an agreement.

The Patriots signed Judon to a four-year, $54.5 million contract in 2021. Judon recorded 12.5 sacks in 17 games in 2021 and a career-high 15.5 sacks in 17 games in 2022. He notched four sacks in four games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending biceps injury.