The New England Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Juden to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons announced the news Thursday morning, It was first reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Falcons are sending a 2025 third-round draft pick to New England. Juden is on the trade block amid the deal impasse. He attracted interest from several teams, According to media reports. Wednesday’s trade solves New England’s situation as the Falcons add a significant upgrade to their pass rush.
Juden is approaching the final year of a four-year, $54 million contract and is due $6.5 million this season. He was around for a while during Patriots training camp When searching for an extension But he recently participated in Patriots practices.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports The Falcons do not have a new contract in place for Judan at the time of this deal, but Judan and the Falcons want to enter into negotiations on an extension.
Juden, 31, made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons from 2019-22. He missed all but four games last season with a biceps injury that required surgery.
In his last healthy season in 2022, Juden was one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the NFL with 15.5 sacks, 60 tackles (14 for loss), 28 quarterback hits, three passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He added six sacks or more in each of his Pro Bowl seasons, including 12.5 in 2021.
As the Falcons move into a new era, Judon plans to inject an immediate upgrade into Atlanta’s defense, with first-year quarterback Kirk Cousins leading an offense that features high-upside young talent Bijaon Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Judon’s departure from New England further signals a continued rebuild around rookie first-round quarterback Drake Mayo under first-year head coach Jerrod Mayo, who already has low expectations for the 2024 season.
