When the Falcons found the asking price for disgruntled outside linebacker Matthew Judon was a third-round draft pick, head coach Raheem Morris knew Atlanta had to complete the swap with New England.
“You get a guy with the ability to come in here and be a game wrecker for you right now, you figure out those things,” Morris said. “I have one real key factor. We did that out in L.A. with Von (Miller). Got him middle season doing a trade, he was able to come in (and) turn into a game wrecker. I got a chance to see playoff Von. Got a ring because of it. Got a lot of success.”
The Falcons traded their 2025 third-rounder to the Patriots, who were entangled in a contract-related dispute with Judon. According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bears offered a third-round pick and New England also heard from the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins about his availability before shaking on a trade with the Falcons.
Judon, who celebrated his 32nd birthday Thursday, had 28 sacks over his first two seasons with the Patriots but his 2023 campaign was cut short because of a biceps rupture.
Judon was entering the final season of a four-year, $54.5 million contract that was to pay him $6.5 million in base salary, and he was seeking a new deal with New England. He was spotted having an animated conversation with Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo on the sideline during a practice session — in which Judon was not a participant — last month.
Of the 14 training camp practices the Patriots have held since camp began, Judon had kept himself out of two.
NFL Network reported the Falcons are not planning to immediately negotiate a new contract with Judon prior to the 2024 season. But all indications from Morris is they will cross that bridge as soon as possible.
“Anytime you can add a dog, really, to your group and have him be able to come be a part of that, that is exciting,” Morris said. “I think we have excitement for that. I think he has excitement for that. I think a couple of our players that actually know him personally have excitement for that.
“His reputation precedes himself.”
Judon played for the Baltimore Ravens (2016-20) before joining the Patriots (2021-23). The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Grand Valley State. He signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2021.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection (2019-22) has played in 114 games with 82 starts and has registered 369 total tackles, 66.5 sacks, 165 QB hits, 14 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two safeties. In addition, he has played in five postseason games with three starts and registered 14 total tackles.
–Field Level Media
