NFL Rumors: Details On Patriots-Matthew Judon Talks Before Trade

Matthew Judon and the Patriots were at odds this summer, but it sounds like there was an open line of communication throughout the ordeal.

The Judon saga in New England came to an end Wednesday night when the Patriots reportedly traded the star pass-rusher to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round draft pick. Shortly after news of the deal broke, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport shed light on the communication between Judon and his now-former team up until the trade came to fruition.

“He wanted a new contract — set to make less than $7 million this year because money from this year was moved forward in his contract,” Rapoport said on NFL Network’s “The Insiders.” “The Patriots had extensive talks with Judon to try to get a deal done. In the end, they could not get a deal done.”

This trade could prove to be a win-win for the teams involved. A third-rounder is an excellent return for a 32-year-old coming off a serious injury with an expiring contract, and the Falcons addressed a premium position with one of the best in the game.

As for Judon, it remains to be seen if Atlanta will give him the money he covets. The Falcons very well could view the four-time Pro Bowl selection as a high-priced rental, which might not fly with Judon himself.