In a notable move sure to shake up the NFL landscape, the New England Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. This deal marks a significant acquisition for the Falcons, who have been desperate to bolster their pass-rushing capabilities.
A Need for Pressure
The Falcons have struggled mightily in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Since 2021, the team recorded the worst quarterback pressure rate in the league at a meager 27.6%. Even in the 2023 season, the Falcons ranked 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate. The team also tied for 21st in sacks, managing just 42.0 sacks throughout the season. The last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks was Vic Beasley, who notched 15.5 sacks back in 2016. Clearly, Atlanta needed a game-changer, and they believe Matt Judon can be that catalyst.
Judon’s Accomplished Track Record
Matt Judon has been among the NFL's elite pass rushers over the past few seasons. From 2021 through 2022, he recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, ranking him tied for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His single-season performances were nothing short of spectacular, with 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021—ranking as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Judon's ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks is further underscored by his quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons, placing him seventh in the league. These statistics highlight why the Falcons pursued Judon so aggressively, especially after falling short in their attempts to acquire Montez Sweat and trade up for UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
The Cost and the Condition
The Patriots received a third-round pick from the Falcons in exchange for Judon. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Patriots, who are in the rebuilding phase under head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a dismal 4-13 record, their worst scoring offense since 1992 at just 13.9 points per game. Therefore, accumulating draft capital seems a logical step for the team’s new regime.
A Hard-Fought Victory for Atlanta
“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,” an insider commented. Indeed, acquiring Judon puts the Falcons in a stronger position to end their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016.
The Falcons also made headlines by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, signaling the franchise's intent to return to competitive form. With Judon in the fold, excitement is already building among the fanbase. Judon himself has shown enthusiasm for his new team, sharing on his Instagram story that he is scouting out places to live near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Challenges Ahead
While this trade addresses a critical need for the Falcons, Judon does come with some concerns. His 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4, raising questions about his durability moving forward. However, if Judon returns to form, his presence on the field could dramatically alter Atlanta's defensive outlook.
A Rebuilding Patriots Squad
For the Patriots, this trade is part of a broader rebuild. The team drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor him. “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 stated.
By trading Judon, the Patriots are banking on a future turnaround while the Falcons aim for more immediate success. Both teams now move forward, one looking to rise from its rebuilding phase and the other seeking to break its long-standing playoff drought.