In a significant mid-season shake-up, the New England Patriots traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. This move marks a critical acquisition for the Falcons, who have struggled with their pass rush and have not had a player record double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley in 2016.
Judon's Exceptional Performance and Patriots' Return
Matt Judon has been a formidable force on the field, tallying an impressive 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, tying him for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His standout seasons included 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, which rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. Despite his success, Judon's 2023 season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4.
The Patriots, who received a third-round pick from the Falcons in exchange for Judon, are looking to rebuild under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The Patriots concluded their 2023 season with a disappointing 4-13 record, featuring their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992.
Falcons' Pass Rush Challenges
For the Falcons, Judon's arrival is a much-needed boost. The team has had the worst quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021 and ranked 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. They also finished tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks last season. With these struggles, it is evident why the Falcons were eager to acquire an accomplished edge rusher like Judon.
The Falcons had previously attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. They also sought 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. Additionally, the Falcons drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, showing their determination to bolster their defensive line.
“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,” shared an insider familiar with the team's moves.
Judon's Enthusiasm and Future in Atlanta
Judon seems eager to start his new chapter with the Falcons, as evidenced by his social media activity. “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,” observed a source close to the player.
The Falcons are hopeful that Judon can replicate his success in New England and invigorate their defense. His prowess in applying pressure to the quarterback, with a rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons, places him seventh in the league. Such stats underscore the significant impact he might have on the Falcons' defense, which has been seeking a game-changing player.
Patriots' Rebuilding Efforts
Meanwhile, the Patriots are keen on utilizing their newfound 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,” an analyst remarked, highlighting the strategic emphasis on building through the draft.
The Patriots have already made some significant moves, drafting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signing Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. These actions indicate a forward-looking approach aimed at fostering new talent and setting a foundation for success in the years to come.
Kirk Cousins' Acquisition
Offensively, the Falcons made headlines by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a substantial four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed. This move points to a comprehensive strategy by the Falcons to structure their team with robust talent on both sides of the ball, following years of missing out on the playoffs since 2016.
As the Falcons strive to end their playoff drought, the addition of Matt Judon signifies not just an upgrade to their defense, but a signal of intent to compete at a higher level. The coming seasons will reveal just how impactful these changes will be for both the Falcons and Patriots as they pursue their respective goals.