In a significant move that could reshape the landscape of the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots in exchange for a third-round draft pick. This trade marks a notable success for the Falcons, who had previously struggled in their attempts to strengthen their pass rush.
Judon's Impact and Performance
Matt Judon brings considerable skill and experience to the Falcons' defense. The edge rusher is a four-time Pro Bowler, known for his ability to pressure the quarterback. Judon's statistics from recent seasons highlight his prowess on the field. Over the 2021-2022 period, Judon recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL during that timeframe. His single-season performances have been noteworthy as well, with a remarkable 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, rankings that place him third and fourth, respectively, in single-season sacks for the Patriots since 1982.
However, Judon's 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4. Despite this setback, his impact on the field remains significant, evidenced by his 15.7% quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons, a metric that ranks him seventh in the league.
Falcons' Struggle for Defensive Prowess
The Falcons have long been in search of a dominant pass rusher to elevate their defense. Since 2021, Atlanta has had the worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%. They concluded the 2023 season ranked 25th in the NFL with a pressure rate of 32.7% and tied for 21st in sacks with a total of 42.0 sacks.
Adding Judon to their roster represents a hard-fought victory for the Falcons after previous unsuccessful attempts to bolster 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 close to the team commented. The Falcons had attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before his move to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. They also aimed to trade up to draft UCLA's All-American edge rusher, Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
A New Era for the Falcons
Judon’s arrival signals a new chapter for Atlanta as the team looks to end its playoff drought that dates back to 2016. Judon's excitement for this fresh start was evident, as he began exploring housing options near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, sharing his journey on his Instagram story.
The Falcons' defensive front will not only benefit from Judon's presence but also from the addition of Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro, drafted in the second round. The team aims to develop a more formidable defense, hoping to give their newly signed quarterback Kirk Cousins, who inked a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, a fighting chance in the upcoming seasons.
Patriots' Rebuilding Phase
For the New England Patriots, the trade of Judon represents a strategic move to accumulate draft capital under the new regime led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Reflecting on the trade, an insider remarked, "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."
The Patriots are coming off a challenging 2023 season, which saw them finish with a 4-13 record and their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game. As part of their rebuilding efforts, 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.
While Judon's departure is a loss for the Patriots, it opens up opportunities for the team to retool and improve its roster. The focus for New England will be on supporting their new quarterback and revitalizing their offense, which has been a significant point of concern.
The trade for Judon not only underscores the Falcons' commitment to revamping their defense but also marks a pivotal moment for two storied franchises looking to change their fortunes in the coming seasons.