4 times Pro Bowl Linebacker Matthew Judon isn’t having the best times in his career. Multiple talks with New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf for a contract extension didn’t prove fruitful. His frustration erupted during a practice session when he argued with head coach Jerod Mayo. This was his last year at The Pats, but they have traded him to the Atlanta Falcons. Dirty Birds, too, have refused to offer a contract. Thus, the LB is forced to play for $6.5 million, his base salary. This season is do-or-die for the player.

And Falcons have mostly remained silent about the acquisition. However, HC Raheem Morris called it a good move, saying, “Any time you can add a dog to your group, that is exciting. I think we have excitement for that and he has excitement for that.” The coach said Judon was happy to join them because of their solidified quarterback position after adding Kirk Cousins.

It looks like the LB also wanted the move. Judon announced the news of his trade on Instagram in style. Sharing a screenshot of a location showing Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on his IG story, he declared his willingness to move despite the contract snub. NFL insider Jonathan Jones tweeted that playing for a new team without any contract shows clear communication. Last season, he injured his biceps in Week 4 and missed the remaining games. The 32-year-old knows every minute on the gridiron is critical for his career. And he would get more chances at Falcons than his previous team.

On the other hand, the Pats have been struggling since Tom Brady left. Unable to find the perfect quarterback, they are currently in a complicated situation.

The Patriots are moving on after parting ways with Matthew Judon

Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett are competing against each other for the starting QB spot. While Maye showed confidence during training, Brissett has more years under his belt. In his college season, the rookie QB did 3,608 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with 149 passer ratings. While Brady’s junior (Brissett) had a 68.5% passing percentage with 4 interceptions. The offense also likes him due to the Brady factor. The team is going all-in to bring talent to the team, but everything’s not going as per their plan.

To bolster their offense, the Pats approached San Francisco 49ers‘ Brandon Aiyuk. But he rejected them straightaway. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the WR wasn’t impressed by their QBs and didn’t think they would qualify for the playoffs. However, HC Mayo isn’t giving up. Accepting the rejection graciously, he said that once they infuse the culture in the locker room, everything will get better. Per Mayo, “When we start to win games, guys will want to come here. When we establish the culture, the roster, guys will be excited.” And the coach is right, as they are leaving no stone unturned in search of better results.

Extending and re-signing contracts of more than 10 players in the early off-season, which include DT Davon Godchaux, safety Kyle Dugger, and OT Mike Onwenu; the team is surely rebuilding itself with long-term goals in mind. The Pats didn’t think twice before trading Judon, as he didn’t fit into their revival plan. And Keion White looks set to replace Judon. But the key issue remains: the franchise hasn’t decided on their starting QB yet. And it seems like the earlier they decide on a starting QB, the better it will be for them. Afterall, the season is not even a month away.