Judon Lands in Atlanta: A Trade with Major Implications
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the New England Patriots have traded their standout edge rusher, Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots will receive a third-round pick from Atlanta in return for the four-time Pro Bowl player.
Judon's journey to the Falcons has been far from smooth. This offseason, the edge rusher held-in during the Patriots' training camp as he sought a new contract. Judon's impressive performance on the field undoubtedly lent weight to his demands. From 2021 through 2022, Judon recorded 28.0 sacks, tying for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His individual seasons in 2021 and 2022 were equally stellar with 12.5 and 15.5 sacks respectively, ranking as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Despite such high personal achievements, the 2023 season was less favorable for Judon. His campaign was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4, bringing his contribution to an abrupt halt. Nevertheless, Judon's overall performance has been exceptional, with a quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons, placing him seventh in the league—a statistic that speaks volumes about his impact on the field.
For Atlanta, acquiring Judon signifies a crucial upgrade in their defensive arsenal. The Falcons have struggled significantly with their defensive line in recent seasons, boasting the worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6% since 2021. The 2023 season wasn’t much better, as they ranked 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks.
The Falcons' recent efforts to bolster their pass rush have seen limited success. Notably, their attempts to trade for Montez Sweat during the 2023 trade deadline fell through, leading to Sweat joining the Chicago Bears instead. They also made an unsuccessful attempt to trade up in the draft to secure UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually selected 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. The recent ACL injury of Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice, further complicated their plans.
Speaking about the Judon trade, an insider described it as "a hard-fought victory for Atlanta after striking out twice when trying to trade for pass-rush help within the past year." This acquisition presumably brings a breath of fresh air to the Falcons, whose last player to record double-digit sacks in a season was Vic Beasley in 2016 with 15.5 sacks.
Further demonstrating their commitment to improving their roster, the Falcons recently drafted Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round and secured quarterback Kirk Cousins on a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. These moves show that the franchise is determined to end its playoff drought dating back to 2016.
On the flip side, the Patriots seem to be entering a rebuilding phase. Ending the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, they had their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game. The franchise aims to turn around its fortunes under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Recognizing their need for a robust draft capital, an observer 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.”
To this end, the Patriots 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 quarterback, possibly signaling a new era in New England.
As for Judon, his departure from the Patriots and arrival in Atlanta marks a new chapter. Expressing his excitement for his new journey, Judon has already started searching for a new home near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as shared on his Instagram story. "For now, that type of drama playing out feels unlikely with Judon expressing his excitement for this new home," remarked a source close to the player.
Only time will tell how Judon will fare with the Falcons and how his absence will affect the Patriots. However, this trade has undoubtedly set the stage for an intriguing NFL season ahead.