The New England Patriots have traded Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. This move comes as Judon faced a contract stalemate with the Patriots, where he has played for the past three seasons. Judon, who is 31 years old, was set to earn a base salary of $6.5 million in the final year of his contract, but he did not accept a contract offer made by the Patriots this summer.

• Matthew Judon's trade signals a shift in the Patriots' defensive strategy.
• The Falcons strengthen their pass rush with the addition of Judon.