The New England Patriots have traded linebacker Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick, a source confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Judon had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots before having four in four games last season due to injuries.
The 31-year-old, a four-time Pro Bowler, switched sides due to stalled contract negotiations.
He is receiving a base salary of 6.5 million for the next campaign and he wants a new agreement.
The Falcons needed a linebacker to help a defense that hasn’t had a player with 10 or more sacks in a season since Vic Beasley in 2016.
Judon played his first five NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 34 1/2 sacks during his time and making two Pro Bowl appearances.
In Bill Belichick’s system, which was perfect for him, he had a career-high 15 1/2 sacks in 2022.