Matthew Judon, the talented outside linebacker for the New England Patriots, has had a complex contract history throughout his NFL career. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the specifics of his current contract, the contract dispute that led to his trade, and the impact of his departure on the Patriots’ defense.
Matthew Judon’s Current Contract (2021-2024)
Judon’s current contract with the New England Patriots is a 4-year deal worth $54,500,000, with an average annual salary of $13,625,000. The contract includes a signing bonus of $18,000,000 and $32,000,000 in guaranteed money.
Here are the key details of Judon’s current contract:
| Contract Term | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | 4 years |
| Total Value | $54,500,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | $13,625,000 |
| Signing Bonus | $18,000,000 |
| Guaranteed Money | $32,000,000 |
| 2024 Cap Hit | $14,675,848 |
| 2024 Cash | $7,500,000 |
| Career Earnings | $67,057,512 |
Contract Dispute and Trade
Despite the lucrative nature of Judon’s contract, the 2024 offseason saw a contract dispute between the player and the Patriots. Judon was set to earn a base salary of $6.5 million in the final year of his deal, but the two sides were unable to agree on a new contract extension.
This impasse led to Judon being traded to the Atlanta Falcons on August 14, 2024, in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Career Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, Judon has established himself as a dominant pass-rusher and a key contributor to his team’s defensive success. Some of his notable career highlights include:
- 4 Pro Bowl Appearances (2019-2022)
- 66.5 Career Sacks
- 38 Career Games (with the Patriots)
- Standout Seasons: 12.5 sacks in 2021, 15.5 sacks in 2022
Contract History
Judon’s contract history can be traced back to his early days in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s a breakdown of his previous contracts:
- 2016-2019 Rookie Contract (Baltimore Ravens): 4 years, $2,595,736
- 2020 Franchise Tag (Baltimore Ravens): 1 year, $16,808,000
- 2021-2024 Contract (New England Patriots): 4 years, $54,500,000
Trade Details
The trade that sent Judon from the Patriots to the Falcons occurred on August 14, 2024. The key details of the trade are as follows:
- Trade Date: August 14, 2024
- Trade Partner: Atlanta Falcons
- Compensation: 2025 third-round pick
Impact on the Patriots
Judon’s departure from the Patriots marks a significant loss for the team’s defense. As a dominant pass-rusher, his absence will be felt, and the Patriots will need to adjust their defensive strategy to compensate for his absence.
However, the trade also provides the Patriots with an additional 2025 third-round draft pick, giving them more flexibility and resources to address their roster needs in the future.
References:
– Spotrac. (n.d.). Matt Judon | NFL – Spotrac.com. Retrieved from https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/19100/matt-judon
– Over the Cap. (n.d.). Matt Judon – Contract – Over the Cap. Retrieved from https://overthecap.com/player/matt-judon/4859
– CBS News. (2024, August 14). Patriots reportedly trade Matthew Judon to Falcons for third-round pick. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/matthew-judon-patriots-falcons-trade-nfl/
– ESPN. (2024, August 12). Sources: Teams inquire about acquiring Patriots LB Judon. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40838181/teams-inquire-acquiring-patriots-lb-judon
– NFL.com. (2024, August 14). Patriots trading Matt Judon to Falcons following prolonged contract stalemate. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-trading-matt-judon-to-falcons-following-prolonged-contract-stalemate
