The Buffalo Bills no longer have to game plan for a star edge rusher within the AFC East. According to Jordan Schultz, New England Patriots’ edge rusher Matthew Judon was close to being sent to the Atlanta Falcons. Eventually, it was later confirmed by both Schultz and Adam Schefter the trade was completed. Judon is heading to the Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick.
Sources: The #Falcons are sending a 3rd-round pick to the #Patriots in exchange for Matthew Judon. https://t.co/l46eVBnAQg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 14, 2024
Trading Judon should not surprise anyone, as there has been major tension between him and the Patriots for months now about a re-negotiated contract. Judon signed with the Patriots back in 2021 after spending five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Judon developed into one of the best pass rushers when he was with the Ravens and was honored with a four-year deal worth $56 million by the Patriots. Judon had back-to-back fantastic seasons in 2021 and 2022 with double digit sacks. However, he missed a majority of last season with a torn bicep in the first month.
When Judon played against the Bills, he created pressure consistently and was a big disrupter. At one point, he was the only highlight that the Patriots had on the team. Now the Bills don’t need to worry about him twice a year.
Bills fans should be thrilled that Matthew Judon is out of the division
One of the best things that fans enjoy is seeing their favorite team’s rivals become weaker. The Patriots are now weak off the edge with Judon heading to the Falcons. Even though New England has always been able to produce a stellar defense, despite how the offense is, there is only so much a defense can do to keep the team in the game. Without Judon, the Patriots don’t have a true threat on the defensive line.
Even though the Bills don’t face the Patriots until two of the last three weeks of the season, it is satisfying to know that they won’t see Judon lined up across from them. The Patriots continue on with their rebuild and losing Judon may set them back even further in 2024. It is clear that New England will be looking forward to 2025 rather than this upcoming season.