The Atlanta Falcons completed the trade for Matthew Judon, but per NFL on CBS’ Jonathan Jones, the team does not have a new contract in place for the former New England Patriots outside linebacker.
So the four-time Pro Bowler will play in Atlanta for the same $6.5 million that he would have played for with New England.
“New Falcons pass rusher Matt Judon will come to Atlanta without a new contract in hand, sources say, and there’s not an expectation one is imminent,” Jones posted on X. “He’s set to play for the Falcons on his current deal that’s paying $6.5 million.”
New Falcons pass rusher Matt Judon will come to Atlanta without a new contract in hand, sources say, and there's not an expectation one is imminent. He's set to play for the Falcons on his current deal that's paying $6.5 million.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) August 15, 2024
It’s a risky move for the Falcons, who exchanged a third-round draft pick in the trade with the Patriots.
The New York Jets are in a similar bind right now with linebacker Haason Reddick, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round draft pick. Reddick recently requested a trade after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal with the Jets.
It’s a messy situation that could have been avoided if the Jets made sure to agree on the parameters of a contract with the player before making the trade.
Now, the Falcons have willingly decided to take the same risk with Judon.
This might not be a case of the player stomping his feet and asking to be traded. Judon might very well play out the rest of his contract and walk out of the door for nothing in free agency—all at the expense of a third-round draft pick.