Video: Falcons' Matthew Judon Not Ruling Out Possible Patriots Return After Trade

Linebacker Matthew Judon told New England Patriots fans he will "definitely be back to Foxborough" following his trade to the Atlanta Falcons.

"I'll always be a fan of New England, and Massachusetts, because it's done me so well," Judon told Steve Burton of Boston's WBZ TV. "Hopefully y'all are fans of mine, and wish me success, but I wish y'all nothing but success. And I'll definitely be back to Foxborough. I'll definitely be back to the greater Boston area. I just don't know when."

When asked if he thought he would ever be a Patriot again, Judon answered, "Who knows, man, you know? Brady retired a Patriot, so maybe I can, who knows."

Judon was traded to the Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick following a reported dispute over his contract.

Judon reportedly wanted a raise from the $6.5 million base salary, with $1 million in incentives, he is currently set to earn during the 2024 season.

While ESPN's Mike Reiss reported in July that "the sides have had conversations that have explored different possibilities, which include an extension or adding incentives to the remaining year of the contract," Judon told NBC Sports Boston following the trade that he and Patriots representatives "just never sat down and really came to the table" to discuss a new deal.

Judon said he "asked personally" for an in-person talk with the Patriots' front office, but implied that never occurred before the trade.

"It was just always through text message or phone calls... I think that was the biggest disconnect," Judon said.

Whatever "disconnect" occurred between himself and the front office in New England, it hasn't caused Judon to rule out a return to the Patriots entirely.

Judon was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2019 and 2022, two of which took place following his decision to sign with the Patriots in 2021.

His most recent campaign with the Patriots ended with a bicep tear in Week 4 that sidelined him for the majority of the 2024 season. He had recorded 13 combined tackles, nine quarterback hits and 4.0 sacks prior to the injury.

Judon will now hope for a bounce-back season in Atlanta as he resumes contract negotiations with his new team. The linebacker has yet to agree on a new deal but said his plan is to "work for" a new contract with the Falcons, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.