Matt Judon Traded from Patriots to Falcons: A Look Back at His Tenure and Departure
Matt Judon, a key defensive force for the New England Patriots, has been traded to the Atlanta Falcons. This move marks the end of Judon's impactful yet tumultuous stint with the Patriots, spanning 38 regular season games and laden with impressive performances.
During his career with the Patriots, Judon established himself as a formidable defender. He achieved 32 sacks, a remarkable feat highlighted by 12.5 sacks in 2021 and an even more impressive 15.5 sacks in 2022. His sack totals reflect his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his ability to disrupt offensive plays consistently.
Beyond sacks, Judon also contributed significantly to the Patriots' defensive efforts with 28 tackles for loss and recovered two fumbles. His playmaking ability was evident not only in pressuring the quarterback but also in his presence across the defensive line. However, his final season with the Patriots was marred by a severe injury—a torn bicep that he suffered in Week 4, ending his regular season abruptly.
The trade to the Falcons sees the Patriots receiving a 2025 third-round pick, a move influenced by internal factors, especially missed opportunities for contract renegotiations. Judon expressed his gratitude towards the Patriots' fans, reflecting on the memories and support he received during his tenure. "My message is I appreciate y'all. All the memories and everything y'all did for me. It's not the way that we wanted, and I'm sorry that my last play was an injury that put me out for the rest of the season," Judon voiced to the Patriots' faithful. "As far as being fans and family, we'll always be that. I'll always be a fan of New England and Massachusetts because they've done me so well. Hopefully, y'all are fans of mine and wish me success, but I wish y'all nothing but success. And I'll definitely be back to Foxborough and the greater Boston area. I just don't know when"
Judon's departure was also colored by the complexities of contract negotiations. According to Judon, a critical point of contention was the lack of direct communication. "I don't know -- I feel like (they) just never sat down and really came to the table with me. So I think that's the biggest point. It's like, they kind of didn't know where I was at (and) we kind of didn't know where they were at. It was just always through text message or phone calls. We just never sat down and actually talked about it. I think that was the biggest disconnect."
Judon’s time in New England may have ended, but his appreciation for the region remains unwavering. "I'll always be a fan of New England and Massachusetts because they've done me so well," he reiterated, echoing his respect and gratitude for the community that supported him.
The Falcons are gaining a seasoned professional whose on-field prowess and leadership will undoubtedly boost their defensive unit. For Judon, this trade signifies a fresh start and a new chapter in his career, while the Patriots will look to the future with an additional draft pick in hand, ready to rebuild and strengthen their roster.