In a recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show, legendary coach Bill Belichick expressed his confusion regarding the Atlanta Falcons’ handling of star edge rusher Matthew Judon, whom they acquired from the New England Patriots in a significant offseason trade. Belichick admitted, “I’m kind of surprised that Atlanta hasn’t extended Matthew Judon’s contract. I think that he’s pretty undervalued for what his contract is, based on the way it was set up there.”
The Falcons parted ways with a 2025 third-round pick to bring Judon to Atlanta, but with the Pro Bowl player entering the final year of his deal, discussions on a contract extension have yet to materialize. Belichick pointed out that if Judon ultimately leaves in free agency, the Falcons will at least receive a compensatory pick, mitigating any potential losses from the trade.
Judon’s production on the field has been nothing short of impressive, with 12.5 sacks in his debut season with the Patriots, followed by a stellar 15.5 sacks in the subsequent year. However, a torn bicep in 2023 limited his playing time to just four games, where he managed to record four sacks before landing on injured reserve.
Despite his age at 32, Judon has proven to be a force to be reckoned with when healthy, showcasing dominance over the past five seasons. Many were surprised by the Falcons’ decision to delay contract negotiations with Judon following his acquisition, given his track record on the field. The edge rusher himself seems to be taking the situation in stride, displaying a positive attitude amidst the uncertainty surrounding his future in Atlanta.