AP/ Michael Dwyer

The Patriots traded edge rusher Matthew Judon on Wednesday to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2025 third round pick. The trade ends Judon’s tenure in New England after a tumultuous training camp in which he openly lobbied for a new contract and missed practice time due to his displeasure.

The trade is further proof of what I have been saying all off-season. 2024 is a transition season. The Patriots are punting on the season in essence. The focus is on 2025 and beyond. Was this the goal enterimg the season? It is why Executive Vice President of Football Operations Eliot Wolf ultimately decided to expedite the rebuild and focus on the future by taking the pick. 

By all accounts, the Patriots did well getting a third round pick in return for Judon but now Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff will have to try and field a competitive team without two of their best defensive players in Judon and Christian Barmore. It won’t be easy. 

Trading Judon was more than just about his contract situation. It was about setting a cultural tone in the locker room. The Patriots are Mayo’s team and he is going to run the team the way he wants. Either you buy in or you are shipped out. Taking tje hard line now will pay dividends in the future. 

The trade also emphasizes the youth movement that is taking place in Foxboro. The Patriots were never going to extend Judon. His age, injury history and his persona led to the decision to move on from him. They never viewed him as a foundational piece of their future. 

It was a decision that was made well before Judon expressed displeasure with his contract. This was always the plan. The Patriots rebuild is in plain sight now. Get ready for sone growing pains.