“Pats stay cheap”- Patriots trading pro bowl LB Matthew Judon to Falcons sparks wild reactions on social media

After a lengthy period of holding out from camp because of stalled negotiations, Matthew Judon is being traded to the Atlanta Falcons.

“Pats stay cheap”- Patriots trading pro bowl LB Matthew Judon to Falcons sparks wild reactions on social media

Patriots trade Matthew Judon to the Falcons (Image via IMAGO)

Matthew Judon‘s contract trouble ends with the New England Patriots trading him away to another team. He will now sign with the Atlanta Falcons.

After two very good seasons at Foxborough racking up 120 tackles, he asked the Patriots’ front office for a renewal. He skipped the 2023 OTAs, and the Patriots eventually caved in, reworking his contract that increased the $2 million guaranteed money to $14 million.

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However, he only appeared in 4 games in 2023 due to injuries, and being in the last year of his contract, he began holding out once more. On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced that the Patriots decided to trade Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-rounder going the other way.

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Here is how football fans on social media reacted to the Patriots trading Judon to the Falcons for a mere 3rd-round pick.

In July, Judon’s cryptic social media post indicated that he wanted out. The post linked him to a trade with the San Francisco 49ers with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk joining the New England franchise.

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Matthew Judon’s relationship with head coach Jerod Mayo deteriorated toward the end

The Patriots lineup saw massive overhauls after six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick vacated the head coaching position. It was filled by Belichick’s former player and understudy, Jerod Mayo, who brought in new sets of ideas.

"Pats stay cheap"- Patriots trading pro bowl LB Matthew Judon to Falcons sparks wild reactions on social media
Matthew Judon (Image via SI)

Besides fixing the quarterback’s spot, Mayo intended to deal with Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon’s contract, which saw delay due to both parties being unable to agree on the numbers. The situation escalated last month when Judon stormed the practice and argued with Mayo in front of his teammates.

When asked about what happened, Judo explained speaking with former general manager Elliot Wolf.

I didn't want to be a distraction to the team. I went inside [as] I wasn't participating in those drills that day. Then I got a message, so I came back and talked to our GM [Wolf].
Matthew Judon said per Yahoo.com.

Later, when the media asked Mayo about the altercation, he spoke about how contract negotiations are always surrounded by a tense environment.

[I] had a great meeting with [Matthew] Judon, and we're all moving forward. I remember as a player… it's always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that. And in saying that, for the rest of the team, we're pushing forward.
Mayo explained.

Well, Judon is no longer a Patriots player. He has signed with the Falcons as they continue to rebuild, adding key pieces in several areas. They have yet to disclose the details of his contract, which will be public knowledge in a few days.

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