Per NFL insider Albert Breer, the New England Patriots reportedly gave linebacker Matthew Judon the option of being traded to two teams: the Atlanta Falcons or Chicago Bears.
Judon ultimately decided on the Falcons before the deal was made.
Both teams offered third-round draft picks for the four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher, and the Patriots extended the opportunity for Judon to decide on his next location.
The move brought an end to a three-year run for Judon in New England. Despite attempts by both sides, they were never able to agree on a contract extension. Judon is still one of the more talented pass-rushers in the NFL, and he obviously had a price in mind worthy of his services.
The Patriots had a price in mind as well, and it wasn’t likely as high for a 32-year-old veteran coming off a season-ending injury.
One addendum to the Patriots/Falcons trade of last week: New England, believing the Bears and Falcons were in a similar category, and with third-round offers from both, gave OLB Matthew Judon his choice of being dealt to Atlanta or Chicago.
Judon, obviously, picked Atlanta.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 18, 2024
The Falcons were able to agree to a trade for Judon, but according to NFL on CBS’ Jonathan Jones, there is no current new contract in place for the defensive standout.
So Judon is playing on the same $6.5 million deal he would have played on with the Patriots. It’s a huge risk for the Falcons and certainly one that bears watching to see how it ultimately plays out in the end.