The New England Patriots traded Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday night, and it appears the Falcons were not the only team interested in acquiring the four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that four other teams were interested.
The Patriots received a third-round draft selection from the Falcons in exchange for Judon. The move ended a three-year tenure for Judon with the organization. He was the Patriots’ best pass-rusher, tallying 133 combined tackles and 32 sacks with the team.
Even at age 32, it isn’t a surprise that multiple teams wanted him on their roster. Along with the Falcons, per Howe, the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans were also interested.
The Bears were so interested that they also offered a third-round draft pick for Judon.
Howe wrote:
The Chicago Bears also offered a third-round pick for the star pass rusher, according to league sources. The Patriots, of course, ended up accepting the Falcons’ third-rounder instead.
The Falcons were the team that ultimately won out in the end.
Judon will have a chance to bolster a Falcons defensive unit that ranked 22nd in sacks with 42 last season. Meanwhile, the Patriots can shift their focus to some of the younger talent on their roster.
