Matt Judon Traded to Falcons: A New Era Begins in Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade, sealed with the Falcons sending a third-round pick in exchange, is seen as a hard-fought victory for Atlanta after striking out twice when trying to trade for pass-rush help within the past year.
Judon's impact on the field is undeniable. Over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he recorded a formidable 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL during that period. Notably, his 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021 rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. However, his 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4. Despite this setback, Judon's quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league.
The Falcons have struggled with their pass rush in recent years, posting the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021 and ranking 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. They tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 in 2023. The addition of Judon, therefore, addresses a critical need for the team.
Atlanta's struggles extend beyond their pass rush. The team has not made the playoffs since 2016, the same year Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks with 15.5. The Falcons attempted to bolster their pass rush by drafting Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round and trying to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. Additionally, they made an effort to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was ultimately selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Judon's arrival brings a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. Expressing his enthusiasm, Judon has already started figuring out where to live in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, his new home field. The Falcons hope that Judon's on-field prowess will help the team break their playoff drought and bring a competitive edge they have sorely missed.
The Patriots, on the other hand, are in a rebuilding phase. Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf have taken the reins of a team that finished the 2023 season with a disappointing 4-13 record. The Patriots also had their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging only 13.9 points per game. Their strategy for the future includes drafting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signing Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor Maye. This indicates a focus on developing new talent and accumulating draft capital, which the Judon trade facilitates.
For the Falcons, other major offseason moves include signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. The team hopes that the combination of Cousins' leadership and Judon's defensive prowess will provide a balanced and formidable lineup capable of ending their playoff drought and competing at a higher level.
Overall, the trade marks a significant shift for both teams, with Judon's move to Atlanta bringing hope to a franchise in dire need of a defensive cornerstone, and the Patriots gaining much-needed draft capital to support their rebuilding efforts.