Matt Judon's Trade to the Atlanta Falcons: A High-Stakes Gamble
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move to bolster their defense by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade, which cost the Falcons a third-round pick, marks a major shift for both franchises.
Judon, who held out during the Patriots' training camp in search of a new contract, has proven his worth on the field. Between 2021 and 2022, he amassed an impressive 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL over that span. These numbers solidify his reputation as one of the league's premier pass rushers. His stellar seasons include a 15.5 sack performance in 2022 and a 12.5 sack tally in 2021, which are the third and fourth most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
However, Judon's 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep sustained in Week 4. Despite this setback, Judon's consistent pressure on quarterbacks over the past three seasons—evident from his 15.7% quarterback pressure rate, ranking seventh in the league—demonstrates his relentless impact on the field.
The Falcons, struggling with their pass rush, have been in dire need of a player of Judon's caliber. Since 2021, they have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%. Their ranking of 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season, with a 32.7% pressure rate and just 42 sacks (21st in the league), underscores their defensive deficiencies. Their last standout season in terms of sacks was in 2016 when Vic Beasley recorded 15.5 sacks, also marking the end of their playoff appearances.
Adding Judon to their roster represents a turning point for the Falcons, who have been actively seeking to improve their pass rush. “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,” a source commented. These past failed attempts included trying to trade for Montez Sweat, who was instead dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline, and efforts to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was ultimately selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Judon's arrival seems to inject a fresh sense of optimism in Atlanta. Reports suggest that he is already acclimating, as noted by his social media activity: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Patriots are undergoing their own transformation under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The team is in a rebuilding phase after a dismal 4-13 season in 2023, which saw them register their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. They have been acquiring as much draft capital as possible to support the new regime. “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 noted.
In preparation for a more competitive future, the Patriots have made strategic additions. They drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. With these moves, the organization hopes to lay a solid foundation for success.
On the offensive side, the Falcons took a major step by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This significant investment in their offense signals their intent to build a balanced and competitive team.
As the Falcons aim to end their playoff drought dating back to 2016, the acquisition of Judon is expected to play a pivotal role. His proven ability to apply pressure on the quarterback will be crucial in transforming Atlanta's defense and, ultimately, their fortunes in the seasons to come.