Matt Judon Heads to Atlanta Falcons in Key Trade Deal
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move by acquiring edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. In exchange, the Patriots will receive a third-round pick. This trade signifies a major shift for both teams as they navigate their individual challenges and goals for the upcoming seasons.
Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, has built an impressive resume over his NFL career. From 2021 to 2022, he recorded 28.0 sacks, tied for the third-most in the league during that period. His outstanding performances include 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, ranking as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. With a 15.7% quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons, Judon's impact on the field is undeniable. This rate places him seventh in the league, showcasing his consistent ability to disrupt the opposition's offensive play.
However, Judon's 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4. Despite this setback, his potential remains high, and the Falcons are optimistic about his contributions. Known for their struggles in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Atlanta's worst-ranked team quarterback pressure rate of 27.6% since 2021 highlights their need for an effective pass rusher.
As the Falcons strive to improve their defensive capabilities, acquiring Judon is a strategic move. Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf are steering the Patriots through a period of rebuilding, and accumulating draft capital is essential for their plans. "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," noted sources inside the Patriots' camp.
Atlanta's struggles in the pass-rush department have been longstanding. The Falcons ranked 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks. Their efforts to trade for additional pass-rushers within the past year had previously fallen short, including an attempt to acquire Montez Sweat who eventually went to the Chicago Bears. They also aimed to trade up in the draft to select UCLA's All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Judon's arrival represents a hard-earned win for Atlanta. "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," reflected a league insider familiar with the Falcons' recent attempts to bolster their defense. In his new chapter with the Falcons, Judon has already showcased his excitement by figuring out living arrangements near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as revealed on his Instagram story.
The Falcons' playoff drought dating back to 2016 underscores the urgency of their current actions. Adding an accomplished player like Judon could be a catalyst for change. The team's last player to record double-digit sacks in a season was Vic Beasley, with 15.5 sacks in 2016. Judon’s presence on the roster aims to restore defensive dominance reminiscent of those years.
This trade also aligns with significant investments the Falcons have made in other areas, such as signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. By upgrading both their offense and defense, Atlanta is clearly positioning itself for a return to competitive form in the coming seasons.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are charting a new course as they gear up for future campaigns. They ended the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. Heading into the 2024 season, the team drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall and signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the rookie, signaling a refreshed approach to building a robust team foundation.
As both the Falcons and the Patriots navigate these transformative changes, all eyes will be on how Judon adjusts to his new team and how Atlanta capitalizes on this high-profile trade. The stakes are high, and both organizations are poised to make significant strides in the 2024 season.