NFL
Why did Matthew Judon leave the Patriots and join the Falcons via trade?
The 31-year-old linebacker was seeking a new contract as the one he signed in 2021 to join New England was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.
The New England Patriots’ standoff with Matthew Judon has been resolved. The linebacker will be traded to the Atlanta Falcons, with the AFC team receiving a third-round draft pick.
Judon, 31, sought a new contract as his existing one, signed in 2021, was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season. However, New England’s management was unwilling to invest in a veteran player during a rebuild under a new head coach, Jerod Mayo, and quarterback of the future, Drake Maye.
The pass rusher accumulated 32 sacks over three seasons in Foxborough and 33 tackles for loss as a member of the Patriots. The Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, and he has played in 114 games, 82 as a starter. He has amassed 369 tackles, 66.5 sacks, and forced nine fumbles throughout his career.
How will Matt Judon fit into the Falcons system?
Upon his arrival in Atlanta, Judon will assume a key role as one of the starting outside linebackers in the team’s defensive lineup. Working alongside Lorenzo Carter, he will be an integral part of the defense’s 3-4 formation, as orchestrated by head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake.
Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen will anchor the second defensive line, fortifying the team’s defensive capabilities.
In the event of any contingencies, the team has a robust support system in the form of backup outside linebackers Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and Kehinde Oginni, who is making strides through the International Player Pathway program.