Falcons acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from Patriots

Pass rusher Matthew Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick, ending a contract-related dispute with the Patriots.

Judon, 31, had 28.0 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots but his 2024 season 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 held since camp began, Judon had kept himself out of two.

NFL Network reported the Falcons are not planning to negotiate a new contract with Judon prior to the 2024 season.

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 draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Grand Valley State. Judon was signed by New England as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2021.

The four-time Pro Bowler (2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022), has played in 114 games with 82 starts and has registered 366 total tackles, 66.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, four forced fumbles and two safeties. In addition, he has played in five postseason games with three starts and registered 14 total tackles.

Judon set career-highs with 12.5 sacks and 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons with New England before being limited to four games due to injury last season.

--Field Level Media