For weeks, it seemed a major NFL trade was on the horizon. Finally, on Wednesday night, a significant trade occurred – though it involved a player that may not have been the primary focus for many.

The New England Patriots have traded linebacker Matthew Judon, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday on Thursday, to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, according to various reports. Judon, who could earn up to $7.5 million in the final year of his four-year, $54.5 million contract, has been looking for a contract extension.

While it is uncertain if he will receive that extension, we can still evaluate the outcomes of this trade and give initial grades to both teams involved:

WINNERS

Atlanta Falcons

With a relatively low cost, the Falcons might finally have secured the pass rusher they’ve been searching for. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, recorded 28 sacks (along with 84 total pressures) during the 2021 and 2022 seasons but was limited last year due to a biceps injury. The Falcons have not had a player with double-digit sacks in a season since Vic Beasley achieved 15½ in 2016. In fact, no Atlanta player has reached seven sacks in any of the last four seasons.

Matthew Judon

Whether Judon gets the new deal he’s after is still up in the air, but he does join a team that looks like it’s positioned to succeed in 2024. This could provide him with ample opportunities to demonstrate his skills for any future employers in 2025.

New York Jets

Like the Falcons, the Jets have also brought in a frustrated edge player – in this case, Haason Reddick. After trading a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Reddick, who is younger and more productive than Judon, the Jets might not seem foolish after all, despite previous criticism over their handling of this acquisition. General Manager Joe Douglas may find lessons to learn from how Atlanta welcomes Judon, or perhaps will just find himself in similar straits.

New England Patriots’ New Management

The newly appointed executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, and head coach Jerod Mayo are making waves in their first year after the Bill Belichick era. By trading away a disgruntled veteran like Judon, particularly one who had been seen arguing with Mayo during practice, they send a strong message. While Judon had been a significant contributor to the Patriots, it’s hard to see how he would have helped them compete effectively in 2024, and his departure reduces a growing distraction.

LOSERS

New England Patriots’ Management

Wolf and his team made a number of contract extensions this year to keep players like OL Mike Onwenu, TE Hunter Henry, and WR Kendrick Bourne. However, their failure to foresee issues with Judon, arguably the best player the franchise has had since the Tom Brady era and a respected leader, seems like a misstep. Moreover, receiving a draft pick now isn’t as advantageous as it might have been four months ago, potentially hindering the rebuilding process.

NFC South Division

The NFC South has been tightly contested, with the Falcons trailing closely behind teams like the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with the addition of QB Kirk Cousins and the drafting of QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta seems to be separating itself. New head coach Raheem Morris, with his defensive background, likely has the skills needed to connect with Judon and effectively utilize his talents. The Buccaneers’ hold on the division could soon be under threat.

Brandon Aiyuk and Haason Reddick

Judon has found the opportunity that may lead to the financial reward he’s been seeking. In contrast, Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is left waiting for clarity regarding his contract situation, whether through an extension or a trade. Additionally, Reddick is still without a resolution as he holds out with the Jets and can now rule out Atlanta as a potential escape route after expressing his desire to be traded. Nonetheless, this Judon trade might trigger more player movement in the market.

New England Patriots’ Future Prospects

The Patriots had a challenging outlook already, facing the prospect of back-to-back last-place finishes in the AFC East. The departure of Judon further dims the prospects for a defense that has already lost emerging defensive tackle Christian Barmore indefinitely due to blood clots.

EVALUATION OF MATT JUDON TRADE

Atlanta Falcons: B

This trade represents a solid comeback for a team that was initially anticipated to select a pressing player with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, but surprisingly chose Penix instead. Acquiring Judon seems to be a clever temporary solution. If General Manager Terry Fontenot can secure a contract extension for Judon, this rating could rise to an A, factoring in the compensatory price, which could possibly be a late Round 3 pick if the Falcons make the playoffs. On the other hand, the grade could decrease significantly if Judon follows Reddick’s example and holds out for a better deal.

New England Patriots: B-

The Patriots likely received a satisfactory outcome for an aging and discontented player, who probably wouldn’t be part of the team’s resurgence as a contender, a goal that owner Robert Kraft is eager to see realized. However, it would have been more advantageous to acknowledge the necessity of trading Judon before the 2024 draft rather than waiting until after the fact.