NFL Rumors: Matthew Judon Traded to Falcons; Patriots Get 3rd ...

The Atlanta Falcons are acquiring star Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots in exchange for a third-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Judon, 31, skipped organized team activities ahead of the 2023 season and had been a hold-in during the early days of training camp before the Patriots reworked his deal, increasing his guaranteed money from $2 million to $14 million.

He only appeared in four games last season due to injuries, however, though he did have four sacks in those games, bringing his career mark up to 66.5 sacks in 114 games.

Entering the final year of his deal, Judon was again seeking new money this offseason, though he originally indicated he would play on his contract.

"I got to, honestly," he told reporters. "Again, like, I signed a deal, my signature's on it, so I gotta play on it. Would I like to? No. Do I think that's my value? No. But again, that's not up to me."

Not long after those remarks, however, Judon appeared to be a training camp hold-in for the second straight year.

Given his age and injury issues last season, it was unclear if the Patriots would offer him any extension or new money. This time around they weren't playing ball, sending him packing, and now Judon and the Falcons will be left to discuss a potential new deal.