Outside linebacker Matthew Judon, who was acquired by the Falcons in a trade with the Patriots last season, is headed for free agency, his agent Damarius Bilbo wrote in a text message to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Also, nickel back Dee Alford has been advised that he would not receive a restricted free-agent tender, his agent Jim Ivler wrote in a text message to the AJC. Greg Auman of Fox Sports reported the Alford news first.
The Falcons sent a third-round pick to the New England Patriots for Judon on Aug. 14. He went on to start 15 of 17 games for the Falcons last season. He finished with 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits.
Judon joined the Falcons with 66.5 career sacks, and the team was hopeful that he would help improve their anemic pass rush. He’s coming off a season that was shortened by a torn biceps muscle in 2023.
Judon, who turns 33 on Aug. 15, has been named to four Pro Bowls and finished ninth in the Associated Press’ defensive player-of-the-year voting after posting a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022. The Falcons haven’t had a double-digit sacker since Vic Beasley had 15.5 in 2016.
Alford played in 16 games and made 11 starts last season. He had 83 tackles, had 11 pass breakups and forced a fumble.
Alford, who played at Spalding High School and Tusculum, started his pro career in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
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