Matt Judon Traded to Falcons: A New Chapter for Atlanta's Pass Rush
In a bold move to bolster their pass-rush capabilities, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade sends ripples through the NFL, marking a significant shift for both franchises. The Patriots received a third-round pick from the Falcons in exchange for Judon, underscoring the value both teams see in this transaction.
Judon’s Tenure with the Patriots
Matt Judon’s impressive stint with the Patriots saw him racking up 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, a figure that tied for the third-most in the league over that period. His exceptional performance included a 15.5 sack season in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021, ranking as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. Over the past three seasons, Judon maintained a quarterback pressure rate of 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league.
However, injuries have been a part of Judon’s narrative as well. His 2023 season was prematurely cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4. Despite this, his consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him a valuable asset, one that the Falcons were eager to acquire.
Rebuilding the Falcons’ Defense
For the Falcons, the acquisition of Judon represents a much-needed boost. Atlanta’s defense has struggled in recent years. The team has had the worst quarterback pressure rate in the NFL (27.6%) since 2021 and ranked 25th in the league for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. Tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 in 2023, the Falcons have been in dire need of a playmaker like Judon.
Atlanta had previously attempted to shore up their defense through various means. The franchise tried to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears during the 2023 deadline and attempted to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who ultimately went to the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. Additionally, Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice's early preseason ACL tear left the Falcons scrambling for options.
“The trade for Judon represents a hard-fought victory for Atlanta after striking out twice when trying to trade for pass-rush help within the past year,” encapsulates the sense of relief and anticipation within the Falcons organization.
New Beginnings
Judon seems eager to embrace his new role with the Falcons. Social media posts have shown him exploring housing options near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hinting at his excitement and readiness to integrate into the Atlanta community. “For now, that type of drama playing out feels unlikely with Judon expressing his excitement for this new home by showing he is already figuring out where to live in relation to his new home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, on his Instagram story,” a source noted.
Patriots’ Future
As the Patriots part ways with Judon, they find themselves in a rebuilding phase. Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf face the daunting task of revitalizing a franchise that ended the 2023 season with a 4-13 record. The Patriots also recorded their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. With the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, a move aimed at kickstarting the team's offensive future. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett was signed to a one-year deal to mentor the rookie Maye, offering a blend of experience and leadership.
Meanwhile, the Falcons have made significant moves in other areas, notably signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, in an effort to end their playoff drought dating back to 2016. The last time a Falcons player recorded double-digit sacks was in 2016 when Vic Beasley notched 15.5 sacks, demonstrating a long-standing need for a dynamic pass rusher.
“This is an organization that needs as much draft capital as possible to give its new regime of Wolf and Mayo what it needs to put together a competitive club over the next few years,” highlights the Patriots' strategic shift towards the future.
The trade of Matt Judon signifies not just a key acquisition for the Falcons, but also a critical junction for the Patriots as they retool and prepare for the upcoming seasons. With Judon’s departure from New England and his arrival in Atlanta, both teams are set on distinct paths with newfound challenges and opportunities. The NFL community will watch closely to see how these moves play out on the field.