According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Atlanta Falcons are finalizing a trade to acquire New England Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract but could not reach a long-term extension with the Patriots.
It’s unclear how the Falcons created the cap space to land Judon’s $6.5 million base salary, but the pass rush has been an issue in Atlanta for far too long. Judon posted a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022. According to Schultz, the Falcons sent a third-round pick to New England for the star pass rusher.
Sources: The #Falcons are sending a 3rd-round pick to the #Patriots in exchange for Matthew Judon. https://t.co/l46eVBnAQg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 14, 2024
Judon, 31, was drafted in the fifth round by the Ravens back in 2016. After a solid first five seasons in Baltimore, Judon had two of the best seasons of his career in New England. He posted 12.5 sacks in 2021 before his 15.5-sack season in 2022. Last year, he only appeared in four games.
The Falcons just lost third-round pick Bralen Trice to an ACL injury and was a position the team attempted to upgrade multiple times under general manager Terry Fontenot. Atlanta will reportedly absorb Judon’s $6.5 million base salary, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
The Falcons absorb Matthew Judon’s $6.5M base salary (for now). A contract adjustment is likely for him. Atlanta gets one of the best pass rushers in the NFL after recently losing Bralen Trice to an ACL tear.
The Patriots acquire future draft capital in their continued youth… https://t.co/2IKxytRLFr
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 14, 2024
