In a significant move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the New England Patriots have traded their star edge rusher, Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have acquired a formidable player in Judon, who brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of exceptional performance.
Matt Judon's Impact
Matt Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, has been a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense. Over the past two seasons, Judon recorded 28.0 sacks, a figure that placed him tied for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His prowess was especially evident in 2022, when he notched up an impressive 15.5 sacks, following a 12.5 sack season in 2021. These achievements rank as the third and fourth highest single-season sack totals in Patriots history since 1982.
However, Judon's 2023 season was abruptly cut short due to a torn lower bicep sustained in Week 4, a significant setback for the Patriots. Despite this injury, Judon’s overall impact on the field has been undeniable. His quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. Judon’s relentless performance on the field is likely to boost a Falcons team that has struggled with its defensive pressure in recent years.
A Welcome Addition for the Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have had a persistent challenge with their pass rush, recording the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021. In the 2023 season, they ranked 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks. The addition of Judon is seen as a strategic move to address this glaring weakness. “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.
Strategic Moves and Misses
Prior to acquiring Judon, the Falcons had made several attempts to reinforce their defense. They drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round and tried to trade for Montez Sweat before he was shipped to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. They also attempted to trade up to draft acclaimed UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Despite these maneuvers, luck was not always on their side. Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice tore his ACL in the preseason opener, further complicating the Falcons’ plans. The acquisition of Judon thus comes as a significant boost, filling a critical void in their defense.
Judon's Excitement and Future Prospects
Judon has expressed his excitement about joining the Falcons, sharing his enthusiasm on social media as he figures out where to live in relation to his new home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This positive attitude and readiness to integrate into his new team bode well for the Falcons, whose last player to record double-digit sacks was Vic Beasley with 15.5 in 2016.
Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf are steering the Patriots through a challenging period. The Patriots wrapped up the 2023 season with a disappointing 4-13 record, marking their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game. In response to their offensive struggles, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett to mentor him.
The trade for Judon underscores the Patriots' focus on accumulating draft capital to build a competitive team for the future. “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,” commented an analyst.
For the Falcons, the expectations are high. The trade for Judon, alongside other roster changes, signals a determined approach to ending their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. In a bold move to strengthen their offense, the Falcons also signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, showing their commitment to becoming a formidable contender.
As both teams look to redefine their trajectories, the Judon trade could be a pivotal moment, potentially altering the landscape for the Patriots and Falcons in seasons to come.