Matthew Judon's departure from the New England Patriots unfolded dramatically, leading to his trade to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. This deal has turned out to be a smart move for the Patriots, as they have managed to turn that single pick into three valuable selections through subsequent trades. Judon, who failed to sign an extension with the Falcons, had a muted performance in his first season with them, recording just 5.5 sacks and struggling to replicate his previous success.

As the Patriots continue to make moves during the draft, they remain focused on building a stronger roster. The trade tree from Judon's exit now includes the selection of Jared Wilson, a center from Georgia, among others. This strategy emphasizes the Patriots' adaptive approach to leveraging trades for future gains while Judon's future remains uncertain as he currently sits as a free agent.