Matthew Judon’s time with the New England Patriots has come to an end as he has been traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The trade follows a summer filled with contract negotiations that never reached a resolution. Judon, who was facing a base salary of $6.5 million for the final year of his four-year, $54.5 million deal signed in 2021, had been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the contract situation during training camp. His determination to finish his career in New England clashed with the team’s inability to offer a satisfying renegotiation.
Judon’s final season with the Patriots was marred by injury, as he managed to play just four games last year due to a torn lower biceps tendon. In his limited play, he recorded four sacks, bringing his career total to 32 sacks over 38 games with the franchise. Initially signing with New England after Tom Brady’s departure, Judon quickly became a key component of the team’s defense, achieving notable success with back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022.
As Judon transitions to the Falcons, he will be looking to elevate their defense during what is a pivotal contract year for him, especially as he approaches his 32nd birthday. The Patriots, currently undergoing a rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo, have added to their future draft capital, now holding eight picks for the 2025 NFL Draft.