The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly exploring a shocking trade proposal that could involve the Cincinnati Bengals and star pass rusher Matthew Judon. According to league insiders, the Falcons are eyeing a creative three-team deal that would see them acquire Judon from the New England Patriots for a draft pick, only to flip him to another club for a larger package—turning the $21 million superstar into a trade asset.
Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, is entering the final year of his contract with the Patriots, carrying a $21 million cap hit for the 2025 season. With New England in full rebuild mode, the franchise appears open to moving the veteran edge rusher. Atlanta, desperate to add more defensive firepower, is considering making a short-term move for Judon but with a twist—they intend to repackage him as part of a larger trade scenario.
The proposed deal would reportedly see the Falcons trade a mid-round pick (likely a third or fourth-rounder) to New England for Judon. However, instead of keeping him, Atlanta plans to immediately flip him to a contender in need of pass-rushing help, such as the Cincinnati Bengals or Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals, in particular, are rumored to be highly interested in bolstering their defensive front and have the cap space to absorb Judon’s salary.
For Atlanta, this bold strategy could net them future draft capital or multiple picks, making it a savvy long-term move. By acting as a middleman in the transaction, the Falcons could gain more value in draft compensation than they initially gave up, while the Bengals or another contender would land an elite pass rusher for their playoff push.
NFL insiders say Judon is drawing interest from several teams, making Atlanta’s proposed maneuver a potentially lucrative gamble. Judon, 32, remains one of the league’s premier edge rushers, recording 15.5 sacks in 2022 before being limited by injury in 2023.
For the Bengals, adding Judon would significantly upgrade their defense, providing a much-needed playmaker opposite Trey Hendrickson. With Cincinnati aiming to return to Super Bowl contention, acquiring Judon could be the final piece to solidify their pass rush.
As trade talks heat up, all eyes will be on Atlanta’s front office to see if they can pull off this bold, multi-team deal. If successful, the Falcons could emerge as one of the savviest operators of the offseason.
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