The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with the Atlanta Falcons on a deal to send four-time Pro Bowl running back Matthew Judon to the NFC South.
In exchange, the Pats receive a third-round draft pick.
According to Judon's Instagram post (via insider Sophie Weller), the 32-year-old left a message for the Patriots and their fans after three seasons with the team.
“Thanks for everything, New England,” Judon wrote. “Atlanta, we're ready.”
Matthew Judon with a message after being traded to the Falcons
“Thanks for everything, New England.
“Atlanta, we are ready.”
(IG: man_dammn9) pic.twitter.com/B1deXWLu8V
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) August 15, 2024
Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Judon signed with the Patriots in 2021 and has emerged as one of the league's top defensive players.
Before an injury-plagued 2023 season, Judon had strong performances in 2021 and 2022.
In 2021, he recorded 12.5 sacks, which was a career high at the time.
He followed that up with another career-high 15.5 sacks and his third season with at least 60 tackles.
New England did not offer Judon the contract he wanted, and the Patriots decided to move him out of the conference.
The fact that he suffered a serious biceps injury in 2023 may have influenced the Patriots' decision not to give him a big deal.
Judon will now join an Atlanta defense brimming with talent at all levels.
Pro Bowl quarterback Grady Jarrett, star cornerback AJ Terrell and Pro Bowl safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons are just a few of the elite names he'll be joining.
On the other hand, the Patriots will now be focused on building for the future rather than dealing with veterans' contracts.
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