BREAKING: New England Patriots Trade Pass Rusher Matthew Judon to Atlanta Falcons
In a shocking move, the New England Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple sources. The Falcons are sending a 2025 third-round draft pick to the Patriots in return.
Judon, 31, has been on the trade block amid a contract stalemate, and the Falcons have been one of the teams interested in acquiring his services. The pass rusher has made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons from 2019-22 and has tallied 15.5 sacks, 60 tackles (14 for loss), 28 quarterback hits, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his last healthy season in 2022.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that the Falcons didn’t have a new contract in place for Judon at the time of the deal, but that Judon and the Falcons intend to engage in negotiations on an extension.
Judon’s departure from New England further signals the continued rebuild around rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo in a 2024 season that was already weighted with low expectations.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are moving into a new era with first-year quarterback Kirk Cousins leading an offense featuring high-upside young skill players Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Judon’s addition is expected to inject an immediate upgrade to Atlanta’s defense.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
