Matt Judon Joins Falcons in Major Trade, Marking New Era for Atlanta's Defense
In a significant move that could reshuffle the competitive landscape of the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade, a hard-fought victory for Atlanta, involves the Falcons giving up a third-round draft pick in exchange for Judon's services. With an eye towards bolstering their pass rush, Atlanta finally landed a top-tier talent after several failed attempts over the past year.
Judon, known for his relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks, recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022. This figure tied him for the third-most sacks in the NFL over that period. His productivity did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by his Pro Bowl selections and formidable stats, including a 15.5 sack season in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021. These seasons rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
The need for upgrading their pass rush had become increasingly evident for the Falcons. Since 2021, Atlanta had languished with the league's worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%, ranking 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. Despite tying for 21st in sacks with 42.0 in 2023, the Falcons were eager to make a bold move that could transform their defensive fortunes.
Judon's quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. His presence in Atlanta is expected to have an immediate impact, especially considering the team's playoff drought that dates back to 2016. The last time a Falcons player recorded double-digit sacks in a season was Vic Beasley with 15.5 sacks in that same year.
Reflecting on the trade, a source noted, “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.” This comment underscores the sense of relief and optimism permeating the Falcons organization as they secure a player of Judon's caliber.
Judon himself appears eager to embrace his new team and city. His Instagram story showed him already figuring out where to live in relation to his new home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, indicating his excitement for this new chapter in his career. “For now, that type of drama playing out feels unlikely with Judon expressing his excitement for this new home,” the source explained.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Falcons to revamp their roster. They had previously attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline, and made moves in the draft by selecting Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round. Additionally, the Falcons had their sights set on UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but missed out when he was picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
For the New England Patriots, trading away Judon is a bittersweet move. The team, led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, is in a rebuilding phase. The Patriots concluded the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, their worst scoring offense (averaging 13.9 points per game) since 1992. Mayo and Wolf are spearheading efforts to accumulate as much draft capital as possible to fuel a competitive rebuild.
In the recent 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick and signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. These moves signal a clear direction towards long-term growth and development for the storied franchise.
As the Patriots look to the future with their new regime, the trade also highlights the value placed on Judon’s expertise and ability, now set to energize a Falcons team hungry for success. The Falcons' postseason aspirations will now rest heavily on Judon's shoulders, and his impact on the field could very well be the key to ending their prolonged playoff absence.