Bears Decline Trade for Matthew Judon

The Chicago Bears considered acquiring veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots, offering a third-round draft pick but ultimately declined to finalize the trade due to concerns over his contract extension. During an episode of HBO's 'Hard Knocks,' GM Ryan Poles emphasized the need for a new deal before committing to Judon, who had recently experienced a season-ending biceps injury. The Patriots traded Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for the same third-round pick, with Judon expressing his readiness to prove himself in Atlanta despite not securing a new contract. Poles acknowledged that while Judon could have improved the Bears' struggling defense, the team's long-term strategy took precedence over immediate talent acquisition. The Bears’ decision not to proceed with the trade raises questions about their negotiation approach, especially as they continue to evaluate their defensive needs. Overall, the Bears are aiming to balance short-term gains with future roster management considerations.