The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move in their quest to revitalize their pass-rush, acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This move comes after multiple attempts to bolster their defensive line, with Judon representing a hard-fought victory for the Falcons.
An Edge Rusher in His Prime
Judon brings an impressive resume to Atlanta, having recorded 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, tying for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His exceptional production includes 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. Enduring an untimely setback, Judon's 2023 season was cut short by a torn lower bicep in Week 4, but his impact on the field remains undeniable.
The move to acquire Judon underscores the Falcons' urgency to improve a defense that has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Since 2021, the Falcons have posted the league's worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%. In the 2023 season alone, they ranked 25th in pressure rate at 32.7%, and tied for 21st with a modest 42.0 sacks.
A Strategic Acquisition
The Patriots' decision to trade Judon was influenced by the player holding-in during their training camp, seeking a new contract. As a result, the Falcons secured Judon in exchange for a third-round pick. New England, led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, is in a rebuilding phase after finishing the 2023 season with a dismal 4-13 record and their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. The Patriots’ focus on future potential was evident in their drafting of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and the signing of Jacoby Brissett to mentor the young signal caller.
Future Prospects for Both Teams
For the Falcons, adding Judon addresses a crucial need in their defensive lineup. His quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. With Judon's arrival, Atlanta hopes to end its playoff drought, which dates back to 2016 when Vic Beasley last gave the Falcons a double-digit sack season with 15.5 sacks.
Judon’s acquisition is particularly sweet for the Falcons after they fell short in attempts to trade for Montez Sweat, who was eventually dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. They also tried to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. Additionally, the Falcons drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, further bolstering their defensive line depth.
A New Beginning for Judon
Judon’s fit with the Falcons appears promising. He has already started exploring his new surroundings, sharing his excitement on his Instagram story where he showed he is figuring out where to live near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As Judon integrates into a team eager to reclaim its competitive edge, his presence could spell a turning point for a franchise hungry for success.
The Falcons have also made a high-profile move to stabilize their offensive efforts by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. Coupled with Judon's arrival, Atlanta is clearly setting the stage for a revamp that aims to end years of mediocrity.
For the Patriots, this trade provides a valuable third-round pick to aid in their rebuild. As Wolf and Mayo helm the effort to reclaim their storied franchise’s former glory, accumulating draft capital remains a priority. “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,” a source familiar with the Patriots’ strategy commented.
In the weeks to come, fans will be closely watching how this high-stakes trade impacts both teams. For now, the Falcons can revel in the strategic coup of landing Judon, a player poised to bring a much-needed spark to their defense.