In a blockbuster move, the New England Patriots have made a major trade agreement with the Atlanta Falcons involving four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon. The deal, which was finalized last Thursday, sees Judon heading to Atlanta in exchange for a valuable third-round pick.
At 32 years old, Judon is set to make a base salary of $6.5 million in 2024, which is the final year of his current contract. The pass rusher had been pushing for a new deal with the Patriots, culminating in an intense discussion with Jerod Mayo on July 29. However, things seemed to have been resolved as Mayo confirmed on August 1 that they had a productive conversation and were looking towards the future.
The addition of Judon to the Falcons’ roster comes as another significant move following their high-profile signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million contract earlier this offseason. With a defense that ranked last in pass rush win rate in 2023, Judon is expected to inject some much-needed energy into Atlanta’s defensive unit. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they recently suffered a blow with Bralen Trice, a third-round outside linebacker, tearing his ACL during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
Despite playing in only four games last season due to a torn biceps, Judon has an impressive track record of being selected to the Pro Bowl from 2019 to 2022, racking up an impressive 43 ½ sacks during that time frame.
The departure of Judon from the Patriots adds to the list of challenges they face as they embark on their first season under the leadership of Jerod Mayo, who took over from the legendary Bill Belichick. In addition to Judon, the team is also coping with the absence of standout defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who is currently sidelined indefinitely due to blood clots.
The football world is abuzz with the latest developments in the NFL as these teams make bold moves to strengthen their rosters. To stay updated on all the breaking news and in-depth coverage, make sure to download the USA TODAY app for access to award-winning journalism, engaging crosswords, captivating audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and much more. Stay informed and entertained with the USA TODAY app – your gateway to the heart of the news.
