In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the New England Patriots traded their star edge rusher, Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons. This trade marks a significant shift for both franchises, with Judon's undeniable prowess set to bolster a struggling Falcons defense.
Judon's Stellar Record
Matt Judon arrives in Atlanta with an impressive resume. The four-time Pro Bowler recorded 28.0 sacks over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, a tally that tied for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His impressive campaigns included a standout 15.5 sack season in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021. Notably, these performances rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. With a quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the last three seasons, Judon stands as the seventh-best in the league.
A Fractured 2023 Season
The 2023 season proved challenging for Judon. After recording impressive statistics early on, his campaign was abruptly cut short in Week 4 due to a torn lower bicep. Despite this setback, the Patriots received a third-round pick from Atlanta in exchange for their defensive powerhouse.
Falcons' Struggles and Strategic Gains
For the Falcons, this acquisition comes as a much-needed reinforcement. Their team quarterback pressure rate since 2021 has been the worst in the league at 27.6%. Even in the 2023 season, they ranked a dismal 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0. The move to bring in Judon appears designed to remedy these persistent defensive issues.
As Matt Judon joins the Falcons, he brings not only his skills but also a breath of optimism to an Atlanta side desperately seeking to end their playoff drought dating back to 2016. 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.
Future Defensive Line-Up
Atlanta has been proactive in addressing their defensive deficiencies. Besides securing Judon, they drafted Clemson standout Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round. The Falcons had also aimed to bring in Montez Sweat, who ultimately was traded to the Chicago Bears. Additionally, the team attempted to draft UCLA's All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu but saw him picked by Indianapolis at 15th overall.
The Patriots' Restructuring
For New England, the trade fits into a broader strategy of rebuilding under the new regime featuring head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Fresh off a dismal 4-13 season—their worst offensive performance (13.9 points per game) since 1992—the Patriots are eyeing substantial changes. They secured Drake Maye, the North Carolina quarterback, third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed veteran Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal to mentor the young talent.
Judon's Move and Immediate Impact
Despite his recent injury, Matt Judon has expressed significant enthusiasm about his move to Atlanta. His excitement is evident on social media, where he has been seen scoping out potential residences near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This eagerness to integrate and contribute is exactly what the Falcons need.
“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,” sources close to Judon noted.
With these strategic moves, both franchises are setting new courses in their quest for success. While New England focuses on rebuilding its future, Atlanta shores up its defensive line with one of the league's premier talents. Time will tell how these changes play out on the field, but the stakes and expectations are undoubtedly high as the new season approaches.