Bears GM talks failed Matt Judon trade attempt on 'Hard Knocks'

Atlanta wasn’t the only team to offer a third-round pick for Judon.

Matthew Judon AP Photo/Terrance Williams

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Matthew Judon reveals ‘biggest disconnect’ with Patriots that led to trade

The Bears believed they had a shot at landing Matthew Judon in a trade with the Patriots, and Chicago general manager Ryan Poles was shown discussing the proposed deal during a recent episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

Poles said the Bears offered a third-round pick for Judon. Ultimately, the Patriots traded Judon to the Falcons for their third-round pick.

While the Bears had interest in acquiring Judon, Poles also voiced some concerns about the former Patriots star. Judon, who turned 32 on the day of the trade, missed all but four games for the Patriots with a biceps injury last season.

“We do believe he would help us get better,” Poles told Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren in the episode. “Just his style. Having the biceps rather than a lower body injury, he still would play with the same intensity as he did before but it does carry some risk though at age 32.”

This clip from Hard Knocks takes a look inside Bears GM Ryan Poles’ mindset when he was working with the #Patriots on a potential Matthew Judon trade.

Poles wanted an extension with the LB in place before agreeing to a deal. pic.twitter.com/rGRUoW3qmd

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) August 21, 2024

Player personnel director Jeff King asked if he believed the Bears and Patriots could get the deal over the finish line.

“I do,” King responded.

Part of the reason the Patriots were looking to trade Judon in the first place was his unhappiness with his current contract. He spoke about his issues with the deal, which has one-year remaining at $6.5 million base salary, at length during training camp.

Poles had concerns about the contract situation too, and mentioned some of the language he used while negotiating with the Patriots. Poles wanted to ensure that Judon had a new deal in place before acquiring Judon.

“Our language is basically saying that if the contract is not signed, then he reverts back to New England. Cover ourself,” said Poles.

The deal fell through, and Judon ended up in Atlanta. There haven’t been any reports of a new deal for Judon there at this time.

Judon was asked about his contract situation after the trade. He said he’s not in a position to ask for a better deal with his new team.

“The Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man,” Judon said, per ESPN’s Mark Raimondi. “They know my previous resume. I can’t really demand or ask for anything I haven’t worked for. I’m gonna work for it.”