Matt Judon Traded to Atlanta Falcons: End of an Era in New England
In a significant move that reshapes both the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon has been traded to Atlanta in exchange for a third-round pick. The trade marks a new chapter for Judon, who had been a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense since his arrival.
Judon, renowned for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities, recorded 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, tying for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His 15.5 sack season in 2022 and 12.5 sack season in 2021 rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. Over the past three seasons, Judon's quarterback pressure rate stood at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league.
However, Judon's journey with the Patriots hit a turbulent patch in 2023 when a torn lower bicep in Week 4 cut his season short. Additionally, he held in during the Patriots' training camp, seeking a new contract. Despite these challenges, Judon continued to demonstrate his value on the field, prompting the Falcons to trade for him.
“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,” observed an insider close to the negotiations. Indeed, the Falcons had previously attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears and had tried to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, only to see him selected by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
The Falcons' need for a proven edge rusher could not be more pressing. They have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021 and ranked 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. Additionally, the Falcons tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks in 2023. By acquiring Judon, Atlanta hopes to invigorate a pass rush that has been lackluster in recent years. The last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks in a season was Vic Beasley, who tallied 15.5 sacks in 2016.
Judon’s arrival in Atlanta is already generating excitement for both the team and its fanbase. “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,” reported a source familiar with the player’s move.
The Patriots’ decision to trade Judon underscores their broader strategy of rebuilding under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. As the Patriots conclude a disappointing 4-13 season, their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992 highlights the need for significant adjustments.
New England's draft strategy reflects this need for change. They selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. The allocation of Judon’s former salary cap space can now be redirected to assembling a competitive roster, crucial for the Patriots' new regime.
“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 industry observer noted, highlighting the importance of the third-round pick acquired from Atlanta in this trade.
As the Falcons break away from a playoff drought that dates back to 2016, the acquisition of Matt Judon signals their intent to re-establish themselves as contenders. The organization also made significant investments, including signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, aiming to solidify key positions with experienced and impactful players.
In conclusion, the trade of Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons marks a decisive move for both teams, reflecting their respective strategies and ambitions for the future. With Judon's proven talent augmenting Atlanta’s defense and the Patriots leveraging their draft capital for a rebuild, both franchises look to reshape their destinies in the seasons to come.