Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons acquired edge-rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, the team announced on Thursday.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported the deal was close on Wednesday.
Christopher Price @cpriceglobe
Judon’s IG just now. pic.twitter.com/PQBQ16Rd8Z
Judon, 32, skipped organized team activities ahead of the 2023 season and had been a hold-in during the early days of training camp before the Patriots reworked his deal, increasing his guaranteed money from $2 million to $14 million.
He only appeared in four games last season due to injuries, however, though he did have four sacks in those games, bringing his career mark up to 66.5 sacks in 114 games.
Entering the final year of his deal, Judon was again seeking new money this offseason, though he originally indicated he would play on his contract.
“I got to, honestly,” he told reporters. “Again, like, I signed a deal, my signature’s on it, so I gotta play on it. Would I like to? No. Do I think that’s my value? No. But again, that’s not up to me.”
Not long after those remarks, however, Judon appeared to be a training camp hold-in for the second straight year.
NBC Sports Boston @NBCSBoston
Jerod Mayo appears to exchange some words with Matthew Judon who is not participating in practice today. Judon seen exiting the field after their conversation 👀 pic.twitter.com/BJvP64tnpS
Mike Reiss @MikeReiss
Day 5 of Patriots training camp: Matthew Judon holding in? … first full-pads practice and holes open in run game … pre-snap penalties pile up … Jabrill Peppers doesn’t finish practice … Josh Uche leaves after mini-brouhaha with Chuka Okorafor. pic.twitter.com/fXI5zS9NRQ
Given his age and injury issues last season, it was unclear if the Patriots would offer him any extension or new money.
This time around they weren’t playing ball, sending him packing, and now Judon and the Falcons will be left to discuss a potential new deal.
