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. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a dominant force on the defensive line, and his departure signifies a major shift for both franchises.
Judon's Impact and Recent Struggles
Matt Judon has been an instrumental player for the Patriots, recording an impressive 28.0 sacks between 2021 and 2022, a statistic that tied him for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His individual seasons have been noteworthy, with 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 in 2021, ranking as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. Despite these accolades, Judon’s 2023 season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4.
Judon had held-in during the Patriots' training camp, seeking a new contract, signaling his intent for a change. His quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons has been a remarkable 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. This consistent performance underscores why Judon was in high demand despite his recent injury.
Patriots' Strategic Shift
For the Patriots, the decision to trade Judon aligns with their current rebuilding phase. In return, the Patriots secured a third-round pick from the Falcons, bolstering their draft capital, which is crucial for head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf as they look to rejuvenate the team following a disappointing 4-13 season in 2023. This was the Patriots' worst scoring offense, averaging just 13.9 points per game since 1992. They recently drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. As one insider put it, “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.”
Falcons' New Direction
For the Atlanta Falcons, acquiring Judon represents a hard-fought victory after unsuccessful attempts to secure pass-rushing reinforcements. Last season, they attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was moved to the Chicago Bears at the trade deadline. They also tried to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually picked 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Additionally, drafting Clemson defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round was another effort to bolster their defense.
The Falcons have experienced significant struggles with their pass rush, having the worst team quarterback pressure rate of 27.6% since 2021 and ranking 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. They tied for 21st in sacks, with just 42.0 in 2023. The addition of Judon, therefore, addresses a critical need. Falcons' head coach and GM are optimistic, recognizing that Judon's presence could end a playoff drought dating back to 2016 by significantly enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Judon himself appears to be enthusiastic about the move, showing his excitement by sharing his search for a new home in relation to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on his Instagram story. As one league source commented, “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.”
Future Implications
The Falcons also made headlines by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. With these aggressive moves, the Falcons are clearly signaling their intent to end their prolonged playoff absence.
As both teams navigate their new realities, the Judon trade may well be a defining moment. For the Patriots, it is a strategic step towards rebuilding a competitive roster. For the Falcons, it’s a renewed hope for Playoff success after nearly a decade of underperformance. Observers will closely watch how Judon integrates into his new team and how his efforts on the field impact both franchises in the seasons to come.