Matthew Judon Shuts Down Theory About Patriots-Falcons Trade

Matthew Judon really wanted a change, but not a change of scenery.

Judon very much coveted a new contract in New England, where Patriots executives clearly weren't seeing eye-to-eye with the star pass-rusher. The standoff between player and team ended as so many often do in the NFL: with a trade.

Eliot Wolf and company sent Judon to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The four-time Pro Bowl selection might end up embracing his new situation, but as he made clear in a recent interview with WBZ's Steve Burton, he did not demand or want a trade from the Patriots.

"Nah. It was just ... I think it was to a point where they felt like in the contract, they didn't want to go any higher or drag it out any longer," Judon told Burton, as transcribed by CBS News. "Which is understandable, especially given the state of the team. They have to stop worrying about contracts and start worrying about the season. That's understandable. Without that looming and lingering over their head, they thought that was the best move for them."

Judon also didn't place any blame on a particular member of Patriots brass for how things shook out for him in New England. The 32-year-old also reportedly had the final say on where he was traded, which obviously showed the respect the Patriots have for an established veteran.

The NFL is a business first and foremost. And while it's only human to let some emotions enter the fray, it seems like both New England and Judon kept it professional for the majority of the ordeal.