The New England Patriots made a significant move recently by trading their star edge rusher, Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons. The trade sent shockwaves through the NFL, with the Patriots receiving a third-round pick in return. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been a force on the defensive line, recording an impressive 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022. This tally tied him for the third-most in the league during that period.
An Impressive Resume
Judon's impact on the field over the past two seasons has been undeniable. In 2022, he recorded 15.5 sacks, followed by 12.5 sacks in 2021. These performances rank as the third and fourth-most sacks in a single season in Patriots history since 1982. His skills have not gone unnoticed, as his quarterback pressure rate over the last three seasons sits at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Judon's 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep sustained in Week 4. Prior to his injury, he was on track to maintain his formidable presence on the field, contributing significantly to the Patriots' defense.
Falcons' Struggles in Pass Rush
For the Falcons, acquiring Judon addresses a critical need. The team has struggled with their pass rush, ranking 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate and tying for 21st in sacks with 42.0. Since 2021, they have had the worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%. The last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks in a season was Vic Beasley, who had 15.5 sacks back in 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,” one analyst noted. The Falcons had attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. Additionally, they tried to move up in the draft to select UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually taken 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
New Beginnings
Judon’s arrival in Atlanta is already creating a buzz. He has expressed his excitement about the move, even sharing his quest to find a home near Mercedes-Benz Stadium on his Instagram story. This new chapter in his career comes at a crucial time for the Falcons, who are eager to end their playoff drought that dates back to 2016.
The Falcons have been active in the offseason, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. This move aims to bolster their offense, providing a stable presence under center. The addition of Judon to the defense is seen as a complementary piece to their restructured roster.
Patriots' Rebuilding Phase
Meanwhile, the Patriots are entering a rebuilding phase under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The 2023 season was a tough one for New England, finishing with a 4-13 record and their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game.
In an effort to turn things around, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. The organization understands the need for substantial draft capital to build a competitive team for the future. “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,” one insider stated.
The departure of Judon, while a loss for the Patriots' defense, provides them with an opportunity to focus on rebuilding their roster and addressing their offensive struggles. For the Falcons, Judon’s presence is a beacon of hope, signaling their commitment to strengthening their defense and ending their years-long playoff drought.