Patriots defender's contract drama comes to an end with result that will send him to the NFC South
Matthew Judon has made it clear that he wants a new contract from the New England Patriots. But so far, there has been no agreement between the two sides. After much back and forth, it seems things have finally come to a conclusion. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, "the Patriots are close to finalizing […]
Matthew Judon has made it clear that he wants a new contract from the New England Patriots. But so far, there has been no agreement between the two sides.
After much back and forth, it seems things have finally come to a conclusion.
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, "the Patriots are close to finalizing a trade that will send 4x Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons."
"The deal is in the final stages and expected to be finished soon," Schultz added.
Adam Schefter confirmed the report, and added that the Patriots are getting a 2025 third-round pick in exchange for the star linebacker.
This was coming considering that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported a few days ago that, "multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the Patriots."
And it appears one offer was good enough for the Patriots
The Patriots did make Judon a new offer this offseason, but he did not accept.
Judon spent the first five years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with the Patriots. Across the past eight seasons, he has recorded a total 368 tackles, 66.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. In 2022 he put up a record 15.5 sacks in one season, and already had four in four games last season before suffering a season-ending injury.
A refresher of what happened
The day started out as it usually does.
Judon came up the steps and took the field in his traditional red sweatshirt, but did not have his pads with him. No one thought anything of it, thinking that one of his teammates might bring it up for him before the start or practice.
The linebacker then ran over to the fans and began his daily game of catch with those in attendance. He had a smile on his face, showing no signs that anything is wrong.
However, once practice began and the players headed over the the field to begin the stretch period, things got weird.
Judon simply walked over to the sideline with his teammates, but still did not have any pads on. He didn't even have his uniform.
Instead, he hopped up on a bunch of the mats, sitting and watching as his teammates began the first padded practice.
With him not participating, Mayo walked over to the linebacker and began having a discussion. Based on the body language, it didn't seem things were going well. And it resulted in Judon walking away.
He left the field briefly but was spotted back out again, this time in a t-shirt and flip-flops. Judon then had an animated exchange with director of player personnel Matt Groh and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.
He then left the field once again.
So basically, this seems like a hold in, despite Judon having participated during the first four days.
And it comes after he told reporters he would play on his current contract even thought he isn't happy with it.
"I mean, if I got to, honestly. That's again, like I signed a deal. My signature is on it. So I got to play on it. Would I like to? No. Do I think that's my value? No. But again that's not up to me," the linebacker said on Wednesday.
After missing the one practice, Judon was back out with the team the following session and seemed like things were going in the right direction. While there has been some comments on social media, he still is out there every day.
The coaches have commended his professionalism since this "bad day" as they called it, but in the end they couldn't get a deal done.
