In a strategic move that aims to bolster their pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade sees Judon, who has consistently proven to be one of the league's premier defenders, join a Falcons team that has struggled with quarterback pressure rates over recent seasons.
A High-Impact Acquisition
Matt Judon, renowned for his aggressive playstyle and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Falcons. Over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Judon recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL across that period. His 15.5 sack season in 2022 and subsequent 12.5 sack season in 2021 rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Despite a promising start to the 2023 season, Judon’s campaign was unfortunately cut short due to a torn lower bicep sustained in Week 4. Nevertheless, his impact on the field has been unmistakable, and his career quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% places him seventh in the league over the past three seasons.
The trade, which saw the Patriots receive a third-round pick from the Falcons, represents a significant shift for both teams. For New England, it’s a move to accumulate much-needed draft capital under the new regime led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. "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," one insider commented.
A Struggling Pass Rush: Falcons in Need
The Falcons have been in desperate need of pass-rush reinforcements. Over the past few seasons, Atlanta has languished at the bottom of the league in terms of quarterback pressure. Since 2021, the team has held the worst team quarterback pressure rate at a meager 27.6%. Even in 2023, their pressure rate improved slightly to 32.7%, ranking them 25th in the NFL. The Falcons managed to tie for 21st in the league with 42.0 sacks in 2023.
Judon's arrival follows a series of attempts by the Falcons to boost their pass rush, including unsuccessful attempts to trade for Montez Sweat and to draft UCLA’s All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. The franchise even faced setbacks such as Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice tearing his ACL in the preseason opener. Drafting Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round was another step in addressing these needs.
New Beginnings for Judon
For Judon, the trade to Atlanta is a fresh start and an opportunity to make an immediate impact on a defense that needs his expertise. “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 noted. The excitement surrounding Judon’s move to Atlanta is palpable, with Judon himself expressing his eagerness on social media. “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,” an observer detailed.
The Falcons have also made significant moves on offense, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a substantial four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This move aims to end their playoff drought that dates back to 2016, when Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks in a season with an equivalent 15.5 sacks. The duo of Cousins and Judon represents a new hope for Falcons fans longing for a return to playoff contention.
Rebuilding the Patriots
For the Patriots, the trade marks a phase of rebuilding after a disappointing 2023 season in which they finished with a 4-13 record. The team's offense struggled immensely, averaging just 13.9 points per game—their worst since 1992. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they sought to address these offensive woes by drafting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett was signed to a one-year deal to mentor the young prospect.
The Patriots, traditionally known for their strong drafting and development programs, aim to leverage the third-round pick acquired in the Judon trade to build a more competitive roster in the coming seasons.
As Matt Judon prepares to don the Falcons' colors, both franchises look to a future shaped significantly by this pivotal trade. Falcons fans can look forward to a bolstered defense, while Patriots supporters will watch closely as their team navigates this critical rebuilding phase.