In a bold and strategic move, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade stands out as a significant step for the Falcons, who have struggled to enhance their pass rush for several years. The Patriots received a third-round pick from the Falcons in this high-stakes exchange, marking a critical shift for both teams.
Judon's Proven Track Record
Matt Judon has consistently been a dominant force on the field, recording an impressive 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, tying him for the third-most in the NFL over that period. In 2022, Judon had a standout season with 15.5 sacks, preceded by a formidable 12.5 sacks in 2021. These performances rank as the third and fourth-most single-season sack totals in Patriots history since 1982. Over the past three seasons, Judon's quarterback pressure rate was 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league, a testament to his relentless pursuit and efficiency in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
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. The Falcons attempted to acquire Montez Sweat before he was traded to the Chicago Bears and also aimed to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Filling the Falcons' Defensive Void
The addition of Judon addresses a key weakness for the Falcons, who have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021. In the 2023 season, the Falcons ranked 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0. Judon's arrival is expected to bolster their defense significantly and potentially end their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks in a season with 15.5 in 2016, highlighting the pressing need for Judon's prowess.
Patriots' Strategic Rebuilding
For the New England Patriots, trading Judon is a strategic move geared towards rebuilding. Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf are leading the Patriots into a new era. The organization has acquired a valuable third-round pick, essential for constructing a more competitive team in the coming years. “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,” sources close to the Patriots stated.
The Patriots wrapped up the 2023 season with a dismal 4-13 record, compounded by their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. To address their offensive woes, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor Maye. This infusion of fresh talent underlines the organization's long-term vision for success.
Excitement in Atlanta
“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.” This eagerness to immerse himself in the Atlanta community bodes well for the Falcons, who have also made a significant quarterback acquisition, signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This move aims to reinvigorate the team following years of playoff drought.
In addition to bringing in Judon, the Falcons drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, further strengthening their defensive line. However, they also faced setbacks, such as losing Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice to a torn ACL in the preseason opener.
The combination of Judon's elite edge-rushing abilities and Atlanta's recent strategic moves highlights a deliberate and calculated effort to end the Falcons' years of defensive struggles and playoff absences. With Judon now in their ranks, the Falcons are poised for a promising transformation as they look ahead to the upcoming season.