The Atlanta Falcons officially announced on Thursday that they had acquired star pass-rusher Matthew Judon in a trade with the New England Patriots, but they may have taken one risk when they completed the deal.
The Falcons traded a 2025 third-round draft pick to New England for Judon, who is set to make $6.5 million in the final year of his contract this season. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Atlanta pulled the trigger on the deal even though they have not agreed to the framework of an extension with Judon.
Jones followed up by saying there was “heavy and clear communication” between the Falcons and Judon about a new contract, so it is possible the two sides were confident enough to reach a deal.
Either way, the Falcons took a risk. There is always a chance negotiations can sour before the actual contract is signed. A third-round draft pick is a reasonably high price for a one-year rental.
Judon was limited to four games last season after he suffered a torn biceps muscle early in the year. He still managed to accumulate four sacks despite his limited playing time. He was arguably New England’s best defensive player in 2021 and 2022, totaling 28 sacks across the two seasons while appearing in all 17 games both years.
The Falcons want to get more than one year of solid production out of Judon, but they must sign him to a new deal to make that possible.
