In the football world, rumors of a major NFL trade had been circulating for weeks. Finally, on Wednesday evening, the much-anticipated trade came to fruition, although not involving the big-name player that many had expected.
The New England Patriots made a move to trade linebacker Matthew Judon, who is about to celebrate his 32nd birthday, to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. Judon, who was seeking a contract extension as he entered the final season of a four-year, $54.5 million deal, could potentially earn up to $7.5 million in his last year.
For the Falcons, acquiring Judon could be a game-changer as they have long been in search of an established pass rusher. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, has racked up an impressive 28 sacks and 84 pressures between the 2021 and 2022 seasons before missing most of 2023 due to a biceps injury. The Falcons have struggled to find a double-digit sack player since Vic Beasley in 2016, and no player has reached even seven sacks in the past four years.
Despite not immediately receiving the contract extension he desired, Judon finds himself in a potentially more competitive situation with the Falcons, who are looking poised to make a run in the 2024 season. This move could showcase Judon’s talents to his future 2025 employer, wherever that may be.
In a similar vein, the New York Jets made a move by acquiring edge rusher Haason Reddick, who also sought a new contract in his contract year. The Jets traded a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Reddick, who is younger and more productive than Judon, showcasing a different approach to handling disgruntled players.
The Patriots, under the new leadership of executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, made a statement by parting ways with Judon. This move signals a new era post-Bill Belichick and aims to eliminate any distractions within the team.
While the Patriots extended several mid-tier players earlier in the year, the miscalculation of not addressing Judon’s contract situation sooner, considering his impact on and off the field, raises questions about their decision-making. The acquisition of a third-round draft pick, although valuable, could have been utilized sooner to accelerate the team’s rebuilding process.
As Judon looks forward to potentially securing a lucrative deal in the future, other players like Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers and Reddick of the Jets are still waiting for resolution in their contract disputes. The trade between the Patriots and Falcons may open the floodgates for more player movement across the league.
In conclusion, the NFL trade market continues to be active, with teams making strategic moves to improve their rosters and address contract disputes. As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these trades impact the competitive landscape of the league.
