NFL franchise the New England Patriots are trading linebacker Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons.
The East Coast side will receive a third-round draft pick in return for the 32-year-old, who is a four-time Pro Bowler.
Judon has a career-high of 15.5 sacks, which he got in 2022. The defensive player missed most of the 2023-24 season with a torn bicep but was not favoured by Eliot Wolf or coach Jerod Mayo.
Despite this, Judon remains a fan favourite in New England but leaves in the last year of his contract.
Reports suggest he wanted an increased deal to stay beyond 2024 but no agreement could be reached.
Judon appeared openly frustrated during the Patriots’ training camp and refused to take part on the first day.
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
After meetings with Wolf and Matt Groh, he eventually suited up and the air looked to have been cleared between the player and coach Mayo.
But now he will head to Atlanta, who have not had a double-digit sack leader since Vic Beasley in 2016.
