Patriots Rumors: ‘Multiple Teams’ Inquired About Matthew Judon Trade

Are we getting closer to a breakup between Matthew Judon and the New England Patriots?

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported Monday, citing sources, that multiple teams have inquired about trading for Judon amid the pass rusher's ongoing contract stalemate.

Judon is slated to make $6.5 million in the final year of his deal with New England after reportedly turning down a contract offer from the Patriots this summer.

The situation involving Judon has been the biggest storyline of the Patriots' preseason preparation, with the four-time Pro Bowl selection even exiting a practice after an animated discussion with head coach Jerod Mayo, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh.

While Judon is arguably New England's best player, he's also turning 32 this week ahead of his ninth NFL season. So, it's understandable why the Patriots might not want to offer him a lucrative contract extension -- something they've done for several other key members of their defense -- as they look to rebuild following a 4-13 season in 2023.

It's unclear from Fowler's report which teams asked about trading for Judon. He'd surely be an asset for any defense, though, despite appearing in just four games last season due to a season-ending torn bicep.

Judon totaled a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022, his second season in New England after five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a fifth-round draft pick in 2016.