In a significant trade move, the New England Patriots have sent their star edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, bolstering a defense in desperate need of pass-rush improvement. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, brings an impressive resume to Atlanta, having recorded 28.0 sacks between 2021 and 2022, a figure tied for the third-most in the NFL over that period.
A Game-Changer for Atlanta
The Falcons have struggled with their pass rush over the past few seasons. Since 2021, they have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate at just 27.6%. In the 2023 season, they ranked 25th in the league with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks. The addition of Judon is expected to be a game-changer for the Falcons, both in on-field performance and leadership.
Judon's prowess as a defensive enforcer is underscored by his quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons, placing him seventh in the league. His exceptional seasons with the Patriots, including a 15.5 sack haul in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021, mark him as one of the most formidable edge rushers in recent history, ranking third and fourth in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Overcoming Past Trade 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. The team attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline and made an effort to trade up to draft UCLA's All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
Judon held-in during the Patriots' training camp seeking a new contract, which ultimately led to his trade. The Patriots received a third-round pick from the Falcons in exchange for their defensive star. This trade provides the Patriots with valuable draft capital, which is essential as they endeavor to rebuild under the new leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. As one source within the organization noted, "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."
A New Start in Atlanta
For now, drama seems unlikely with Judon, as he has expressed his excitement for his new home, even sharing his thoughts on finding a residence near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on his Instagram story. This move to Atlanta sets a new chapter in his career, where he will be looked upon to inspire a defense that has not seen a player reach double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley’s 15.5 sack season in 2016.
The Jaguars' filling of their defensive roster didn't just stop at acquiring Judon. They also made moves during the draft, selecting Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, further solidifying their plans to rebuild a formidable front line. Unfortunately, their plans took a hit when Washington's edge rusher Bralen Trice tore his ACL in the preseason opener.
Massive Investments in Key Positions
In addition to strengthening their defense, the Falcons made a massive investment in their offense by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This move underlines their commitment to ending a playoff drought that dates back to 2016.
On the other side, the Patriots are looking to reset their faltering offense, which finished the 2023 season with a dismal 4-13 record and the worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game. In response, they drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the rookie QB.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Judon to see if he can elevate the Falcons' defense and help turn around a franchise eager for success. His proven track record and enthusiasm for his new home suggest that Atlanta's long search for a dominant pass rusher might finally be over.