In a significant move to bolster their defense, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired defensive wing Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. The trade, which has not yet been officially announced by the teams involved, involves the Falcons sending a third-round pick to New England in exchange for Judon.
Exchange Details
This trade is the result of Judon's ongoing contract dispute with the Patriots, who have shown dissatisfaction with his current base salary of $6.5 million for the season.
Despite his contractual obligations, Judon has been vocal about his belief that his current deal does not reflect his value, although he understands the limitations of his situation and has expressed his desire to remain a key player in the Patriots defense.
Judon, who turns 32, has had a remarkable career, starting with the Baltimore Ravens, where he accumulated 34.5 sacks in five seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections. His success continued with the Patriots, where he reached a personal-best 15.5 sacks in 2022.
However, his production declined last season due to injuries, which limited him to only four games and resulted in only four sacks. The decision to trade Judon was influenced by a combination of his contractual dissatisfaction and the Patriots' evaluation of his future plans.
Trice Injury
The Atlanta Falcons have been motivated to strengthen their defensive line, especially in the quarterback pressure department. They haven't had a player reach double-digit sack totals since Vic Beasley's 15.5 sacks in 2016. The recent injury to rookie defensive wing Bralen Trice further accelerated their search for Judon.
Trice, who had been a promising third-round pick out of the University of Washington, suffered a season-ending knee injury during his first preseason game against Miami.
Trice, who led the nation in quarterback pressures the past two seasons, was competing for a starting role and had been listed as the No. 2 outside linebacker behind Arnold Ebikite.
With Trice's injury creating a significant void in their defensive lineup, Judon is expected to assume a primary role in pressuring the quarterback, addressing the void left by Trice's absence and providing the Falcons with an experienced defensive wing to enhance their defensive capabilities.
Patriots trading pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Falcons for a 3rd-round pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/1OEvtM3Ds9
- NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2024
Injuries to Jordan Addison and Thayer Thomas
In other NFL news NFLMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has suffered an ankle injury during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns.
Addison, who had a standout rookie season with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, was carried off the field on a stretcher after attempting a reception against the Browns' starting defense.
This injury adds concern for the Vikings, especially after the previous announcement that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be out for the season due to knee surgery.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has expressed cautious optimism regarding Addison's injury. While the full extent of the injury has yet to be determined, O'Connell indicated it may not be serious, although Addison was ruled out of practice as a precautionary measure.
The situation was exacerbated when wide receiver Thayer Thomas was also injured during practice, but was able to leave the field under his own power.
O'Connell addressed the physical nature of the practice, stating that it was expected and desired, and clarified that his conversation with Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was to ensure player hydration and proper breaks rather than address concerns about aggressive play.
The intensity of the practice and the high level of competition were highlighted, but it was emphasized that it did not cross the line into unsportsmanlike conduct.
