Former Patriots LB Matthew Judon issues heartbreaking message after Falcons trade 

Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon was locked in negotiations with the New England Patriots in the offseason over terms for a new contract. Despite weeks and weeks of back and forth, the two parties failed to settle on a deal, choosing to go their separate ways. Judon will now suit up for the Atlanta Falcons after the Patriots traded their Pro Bowler for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

The Falcons finalized the trade on Thursday, August 15, and announced the move after Judon flew down to Atlanta on Wednesday. The 32-year-old linebacker issued one final message upon leaving the Patriots, tweeting:

"Anyone ever fail a physical because of a broken heart?"

Judon will make a base salary of $6.5 million in the final year of his current deal unless the Falcons agree to a contract extension.

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Why did the Patriots trade Matthew Judon?

It all boils down to two factors.

1] The Patriots and Judon couldn't come to terms on a new agreement, which is why -

2] The Patriots figured they could get some picks back for a Pro Bowl LB, considering they're nowhere close to contention at the moment.

NFL: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots - Source: Imagn

The Patriots definitely had the resources to pay Judon but ultimately decided it didn't fit their timeline. Judon, though, has been a fan favorite in Boston over the past three years, so it couldn't have been an easy decision.

The Pro Bowl LB was arguably the face of the Patriots franchise over the past few years with so much turmoil under center. With Judon gone, Drake Maye and Jerod Mayo will now take over that role.

For the Falcons' it's a buy-low move. The Patriots could certainly find a starter in the third round of the draft and the Falcons immediately improve at the position.

One thing to note, however, is that the Falcons haven't yet agreed to a new deal with Judon. He's also coming off a season-ending injury he suffered in Week 4 last year. At 32 years of age, he's not exactly a spring chicken, and if the Jets' Haason Reddick mess is anything to go by, the Falcons will look to get a deal with Judon ironed out sooner rather than later.