Bears GM Negotiates Failed Matt Judon Trade on ‘Hard Knocks’

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

According to Poles, 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 have expressed interest in acquiring Judon, Poles has also expressed some concerns about the former Patriots star. Judon, who turned 32 on the day of the trade, missed all but four of the Patriots’ games with a biceps injury last season.

“We think he would help us get better,” Poles told Bears president and general manager Kevin Warren on the episode. “That’s just his style. With his biceps instead of a lower-body injury, he would still play with the same intensity he did before, but there are some risks involved at 32.”

Director of player personnel Jeff King was asked if he thought the Bears and Patriots could get the deal done.

“I will,” replied the king.

One of the reasons the Patriots were looking to trade Judon was his dissatisfaction with his current contract. He spoke at length about his issues with the deal, which provides for one remaining season at a base salary of $6.5 million, during training camp.

Poles was also concerned about the contract situation and mentioned some of the things he said during negotiations with the Patriots. Poles wanted to make sure Judon had a new deal in place before acquiring him.

“Our language basically says if the contract is not signed, it goes back to New England. Let’s cover ourselves,” Poles said.

The deal fell through and Judon ended up in Atlanta. There has been no information regarding a new contract for Judon there at this time.

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

“The Falcons don’t know anything about me as a football player or as a person,” Judon said, according to ESPN’s Mark Raimondi. “They know my resume. I can’t really demand or ask for something I haven’t worked for. I’m going to work for it.”