In a move that has sent ripples across the NFL, the New England Patriots traded star edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. This trade has become one of the most significant transactions of the offseason, bringing a much-needed boost to the Falcons' struggling pass rush.
A Game-Changing Acquisition
Matt Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, arrives in Atlanta with a formidable resume. Known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Judon recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, tying for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4, but his impact over the last two seasons has been undeniable. Judon’s 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021 now rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Judon’s quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. The Falcons, on the other hand, have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021 and ranked 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. The trade for Judon symbolizes a turning point for Atlanta’s defensive efforts.
Overcoming Setbacks
“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 team’s operations. The Falcons made multiple attempts to strengthen their edge rush, including efforts to acquire Montez Sweat before he was traded to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline and trying to move up in the draft to select UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Despite these setbacks, the Falcons managed to land Judon by sending a third-round pick to New England. This acquisition brings a seasoned veteran to a defensive unit that has struggled to reach the quarterback effectively.
Rebuilding the Patriots
For the Patriots, the trade represents a shift in focus as they look to rebuild under the leadership of 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,” an analyst noted.
The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a dismal 4-13 record, marking their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992. In an effort to turn their fortunes around, they 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.
A New Chapter for Judon
Judon’s transition to the Falcons appears seamless. “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,” said an observer of Judon's recent social media activity.
Atlanteans have reasons to be hopeful. The Falcons have not seen a player record double-digit sacks in a season since Vic Beasley’s 15.5 sacks in 2016. Judon’s arrival, coupled with the drafting of Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro, aims to end the team’s long-standing struggle for an effective pass rush, which has been a crucial missing piece in their playoff aspirations. The Falcons' playoff drought dates back to 2016, and the acquisition of Judon is a clear signal of their intent to change that narrative.
In addition to bolstering their defense, the Falcons also made a splash by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, signaling a commitment to building a competitive team on both sides of the ball.
The trade for Matt Judon is more than just a transaction; it represents a pivotal moment for both the Falcons and the Patriots. For Atlanta, it’s a gamble in hopes of reviving their defense and ending a playoff drought. For New England, it’s a step towards a new era under fresh leadership. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes impact both franchises on the field.