NFL Trade Rumors: Matthew Judon Eyed By Bears, Texans Before Patriots-Falcons Deal

The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans had interest in linebacker Matthew Judon before the New England Patriots traded the four-time Pro Bowler to the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the news.

The 32-year-old Judon totaled 28 sacks over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He had four sacks in four games last year before a torn biceps prematurely ended his campaign.

It's easy to see why Judon, who is entering his ninth NFL season, had interest. Aside from his tremendous pass-rushing production, Judon only has one year left on his contract at a $6.5 million base salary. The Patriots and Judon couldn't come to terms on a new deal, so it was only natural for New England to consider moves and contending teams to inquire about him.

In the end, the Falcons were probably the most desperate for a star pass-rusher, especially considering that only one returning player (Arnold Ebiketie) had more than four sacks last year. Bringing in Judon certainly improves the squad's pass rush as it searches for its first playoff appearance in seven years.

But seeing Judon in Chicago or Houston would have been scary. The Bears look like a much-improved team on both sides of the ball this year, and Judon could have formed a phenomenal pass-rushing duo with Montez Sweat.

Meanwhile, Houston is a team on the rise who just made the AFC Divisional round and made big additions in wide receiver Stefon Diggs and edge-rusher Danielle Hunter. A Hunter-Will Anderson-Judon trio would have wrecked havoc on the league.

Alas, Judon is in Atlanta, which gets a much-needed addition to the defense.