In a significant move this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. This trade sees Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, moving to Atlanta in exchange for a third-round pick. The deal is a pivotal moment for the Falcons, who have been struggling in the pass-rush department for several seasons.
An Edge Rusher's Journey
Judon's tenure with the Patriots was both impactful and contentious. During the Patriots' training camp, Judon held in, seeking a new contract. His efforts underscored his value as one of the league's top defensive players. Over two seasons from 2021 to 2022, Judon recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His 2021 and 2022 seasons were particularly noteworthy, with Judon achieving 12.5 sacks and 15.5 sacks respectively. These performances rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Falcons' Desperate Need for Pressure
The Falcons' decision to trade for Judon highlights their urgent need for improving their defensive line. Since 2021, the Falcons have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) in the league. Their 2023 season wasn't much better, as they ranked 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with a total of 42.0. The acquisition of Judon is seen as a hard-fought victory for Atlanta after striking out twice in their attempts to trade for pass-rush help in the past year.
“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,” said an insider familiar with the Falcons' trade strategies.
Judon's New Start in Atlanta
For Judon, this trade represents not just a new team but a fresh beginning. The edge rusher has expressed his excitement for his new home, even posting on his Instagram story about figuring out where to live in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “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,” noted a team spokesperson.
Patriots' Rebuilding Phase
On the other side, the Patriots are in a rebuilding phase, led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The team concluded the 2023 season with a disappointing 4-13 record and their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging only 13.9 points per game. The move to trade Judon signifies New England's strategy to accumulate as much draft capital as possible to rebuild their roster.
“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,” an analyst remarked on the Patriots' recent decisions.
In a notable addition, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to mentor Maye, seeking to stabilize their offensive unit moving forward.
Falcons' Playoff Aspirations
The Falcons, on the other hand, are eager to break their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. Adding to their roster, they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, guaranteeing $100 million. This investment underscores their commitment to turning around their fortunes.
Furthermore, the Falcons have been keen on adding young talent. They drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, indicating a focus on strengthening their defensive front. In contrast, their efforts to trade up for UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu were unsuccessful, as he was ultimately picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Looking Forward
With Judon now part of their defense, the Falcons are optimistic about improving their pass rush and overall defense. His ability to apply pressure could be transformative for a unit that has struggled in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Judon’s addition also brings experience and leadership, qualities that could prove invaluable for a team eyeing a playoff berth.
For the Patriots, the focus remains on rebuilding and developing young talent, ensuring that the new regime under Mayo and Wolf has the tools necessary for future success.