In a significant move this offseason, the New England Patriots traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. The deal saw the Patriots receive a third-round pick in exchange for Judon, highlighting both teams' varying trajectories.
Judon's Journey and Impact
Judon has made a name for himself as one of the league's premier pass rushers. From 2021 to 2022, he recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, a tally that tied for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His standout performance includes a 15.5 sack season in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021, statistics that rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. Despite his impressive feat, Judon’s 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4, making his trade even more significant.
Judon’s prowess doesn’t just stop at sacks; his quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stood at 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. This level of consistent pressure is exactly what the Falcons have been missing, as they have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021. In the 2023 season, Atlanta ranked 25th with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks.
Falcons' Struggles and Attempted Moves
For the Falcons, the acquisition of Judon represents a much-needed boost to their defensive line. The team has been struggling to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a critical factor in modern NFL defenses. Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks in a season, achieving 15.5 in 2016. Since then, the team has been in search of a player who can replicate that sort of production.
The Falcons’ front office has been aggressively trying to bolster their pass rush. They drafted Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round and made attempts to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. Additionally, they aimed to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. These moves indicate a clear focus on strengthening their pass rush.
Judon's Potential in Atlanta
The trade for Judon symbolizes a hard-fought victory for the Falcons after striking out twice when trying to acquire pass rush help within the past year. Judon’s excitement about joining his new team is palpable. This is evident from his social media activity, where he posted about figuring out where to live in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons' playoff drought, which dates back to 2016, has weighed heavily on the team and its fanbase. Adding a player of Judon's caliber could be a key step towards ending that drought. The team has also made a significant investment in their offense, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This dual approach of strengthening both the offense and defense reflects the Falcons' commitment to becoming competitive again.
Patriots' New Directions
On the other side, the Patriots appear to be in a rebuilding phase. Finishing the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, they had their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging only 13.9 points per game. This dismal performance has led to significant changes within the organization. Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf are now leading the team as head coach and executive vice president of player personnel, respectively.
The Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling a fresh start at the most important position in football. To support Maye, the team signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal, aiming to provide mentorship and stability during this transitional period.
"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 insider commented. Trading Judon, while painful, aligns with this strategic long-term vision.
The Falcons will be hoping that Judon’s arrival can propel their defense to new heights, while the Patriots are banking on the draft and veteran signings to rebuild a once-dominant franchise. This trade marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate their respective paths forward.