In a significant move shaking up both the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons rosters, Matt Judon has been traded to Atlanta. The linebacker, who has been a formidable presence for the Patriots, leaves behind an impressive record and a heartfelt message to the fans who have supported him.
Judon's tenure with the Patriots saw him participate in 38 regular season games, where he carved out a reputation as a relentless pass rusher. Over this period, he recorded a remarkable 32 sacks, becoming a pivotal figure in the team's defense. His performance peaked in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, tallying 12.5 and 15.5 sacks respectively. In addition to his sack total, Judon made 28 tackles for loss and recovered two fumbles, proving himself a versatile and valuable player.
Unfortunately, Judon's final season with the Patriots was marred by injury, with a torn bicep in Week 4 sidelining him for the rest of the campaign. Despite the injury, his influence on the team was undeniable, and his departure marks a significant change for New England's defensive lineup.
The trade to Atlanta will see the Patriots receiving a 2025 third-round pick in exchange for Judon. While the specifics around the decision to trade were influenced by a range of internal factors, including missed opportunities for contract renegotiations, the move signifies a new chapter for both the player and his former team.
In an emotional message to the Patriots’ fans, Judon expressed his gratitude and regret about how his time with the team ended. "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 said. "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."
The linebacker also shed light on the challenges surrounding his contract negotiations with the Patriots. "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," he revealed, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative around his departure.
As Judon transitions to the Atlanta Falcons, both teams will be looking to adjust to the changes his absence and presence will bring. His departure from New England marks the end of a chapter filled with standout performances and notable stats, while the Falcons are poised to benefit from his skillset and experience moving forward. Judon’s personal connection to the Patriots and their fans remains strong, despite the professional shift.
For New England, the ability to acquire a future third-round pick may offer valuable opportunities as they look ahead, but the void left by Judon's exit will be palpable. For the Falcons, adding a player of Judon's caliber could be the missing piece in their defensive puzzle.
Regardless of the on-field implications, Judon’s dedication and passion for the game continue to shine through his words and actions. His message to the fans encapsulates the deep bond he formed with the New England community, an enduring connection that transcends his exit from the team. As he embarks on this new journey with the Falcons, both franchises, and their followers, will watch keenly to see how this transition unfolds.