When the Falcons found out that the asking price for disgruntled outside linebacker Matthew Judon was a third-round draft pick, head coach Raheem Morris knew Atlanta had to complete the trade with New England.

“When you have a guy with the ability to come in here and spoil your game, you have to figure those things out,” Morris said. “I have a really big factor. We did that in LA with Von (Miller). We got him in a trade in the middle of the season, and he was able to come in and turn into a spoiler. I had a chance to see Von in the playoffs. Got a ring for it. Was very successful.”

The Falcons traded their 2025 third-round pick to the Patriots, who were embroiled in a contract-related dispute with Judon. According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bears offered a third-round pick and New England also learned of his availability from its AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins, before agreeing to a trade with the Falcons.

Judon, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Thursday, had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots, but his 2023 season was ended early due to a torn biceps.

Judon was entering the final season of a four-year, $54.5 million contract that would have paid him a base salary of $6.5 million, and he was looking for a new deal with New England. Last month, he was spotted having an animated conversation with Patriots coach Jerod Mayo on the sidelines during a practice session — which Judon did not attend.

Judon has missed two of the Patriots’ 14 practices since the start of camp.

NFL Network reported that the Falcons do not plan to immediately negotiate a new contract with Judon before the 2024 season. But everything Morris says indicates they will make that move as soon as possible.

“It’s always exciting when you can add a dog to your group and he can be a part of it,” Morris said. “I think we’re excited about it. I think he’s excited about it. I think some of our players who know him personally are excited about it.”

“His reputation precedes him.”

Judon played for the Baltimore Ravens (2016-20) before joining the Patriots (2021-23). ​​The 6’3″ and 270-pound player entered the NFL from Grand Valley State as a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2021.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection (2019-22) has played in 114 games with 82 starts, recording 369 total tackles, 66.5 sacks, 165 QB hits, 14 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two safeties. In addition, he has played in five postseason games with three starts, recording 14 total tackles.

–Field level media