Combining Matthew Judon with Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat sounded like a great strategy to Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles.

However, Poles did not want to jeopardize the team’s encouraging future.

Recently, Judon was traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick. The latest episode of “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears” revealed just how close the Bears came to finalizing a deal for the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher.

A key issue was that Judon and the Falcons hadn’t agreed on a contract extension before the trade was finalized, which became a sticking point for the Bears.

“We think he would improve our team with his playing style,” Poles expressed to team president Kevin Warren during a discussion about the trade. “With a bicep (injury) rather than something lower body, he could still bring the same intensity and explosiveness he had in the past. But there is risk involved, especially at 32 (years old).”

Judon had a tough 2023 season, playing only four games because of a season-ending bicep tear. The Bears required a contract extension to complete the trade; “Our terms stated that if the contract isn’t signed, he goes back to New England,” Poles told Bears special advisor Ted Crews.

Ultimately, the deal did not go through for the Bears. Poles reflected on the process: “We aim to establish guidelines that support our success both now and in the future” — while his advisors maintained an optimistic perspective on the situation.

In a meeting with team director of football administration Matt Feinstein, Poles reinforced his stance regarding Judon.

“I’m really second-guessing myself, but if we have established our boundaries to keep us on track… we tested them to get this player,” Poles stated. “However, losing all flexibility wouldn’t be wise, even if he performs well. If he ends up with 20 sacks or something, that would really upset me.”

Last season, the Bears only managed 30 sacks, which was the second-lowest in the NFL.

Feinstein looked to the future, believing that rookie Austin Booker could potentially take up the pass-rushing role beside Sweat.

“It’s Judon for a third-round pick and significant financial implications,” Feinstein noted. “We traded a fourth-round pick for four years of Austin Booker.”

The Bears had a high opinion of Booker during the draft, opting to trade back into the fifth round to secure the Kansas defensive end. To do so, they exchanged a 2024 fourth-round pick with the Buffalo Bills for the opportunity to draft Booker.