Matthew Judon apparently isn’t too happy about being traded to the Falcons.
The star pass rusher posted an emotional quote on social media after the Patriots dealt him to Atlanta, the teams announced Thursday — just weeks before the start of the 2024 NFL season.
“Anyone ever fail a physical because of a broken heart? -rod wave,” Judon wrote in a post on X.
The Patriots will receive a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange for Judon, according to multiple reports.
The four-time Pro Bowler and the Falcons are expected to work on an extension before the team’s season opener, per ESPN.
Judon is set to play on the final year of a four-year deal he signed with New England in 2020 and make $6.5 million in base salary.
The trade comes after weeks of contract extension drama between Judon and the Patriots.
The 32-year-old was reportedly seeking a long-term extension from New England throughout the summer while the team would only offer a one-year deal, souring the relationship between the sides.
“I don’t want to be the villain. I don’t want to be the bad guy,” Judon said on the “Shut Up Marc Podcast” in July. “But it’s like, shoot, bro, help me out. We’ve got the most cap [space] in the league right now. They don’t even get the money. What the hell are y’all doing with it? Y’all literally just not using it.”
Judon’s frustrations spilled onto the practice field on July 29 when he exchanged words with new head coach Jerod Mayo, leaving the session and missing the next day’s workouts.
He joins a Falcons defense that’s expected to look much different this season with the addition of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach.
The Falcons also signed defensive back Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million deal on Thursday, per NFL Network.
Judon played in just four games last season after tearing a bicep in Week 4, but in 2022, he was one of the very best defensive players in the NFL, finishing with 15.5 sacks, three pass deflections and 60 tackles en route to the Pro Bowl.