Patriots Exchange Matt Judon for Falcons' Third-Round Pick
In a notable shift within the NFL's landscape, the New England Patriots have traded their star edge rusher, Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, represents a significant boost to an Atlanta franchise that has struggled with its pass-rushing efforts in recent years.
The trade wasn't just about exchanging a player for a draft pick; it marked a strategic realignment for both teams. The Patriots received a third-round pick, a valuable asset for a team looking to rebuild after a disappointing 2023 season that saw them finish with a 4-13 record.
“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,” a source close to the Falcons remarked.
Judon brings an impressive resume to the Falcons. Over the last two seasons, he notched 28.0 sacks, tying him for the third-most in the NFL during that period. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks is evidenced by his 15.7% quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons, placing him seventh in the league. His prowess was on full display during the 2022 season, where he recorded a standout 15.5 sacks, ranked as the third-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
However, Judon's journey to Atlanta comes with a caveat. His 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4. Despite this setback, Judon expressed enthusiasm about joining the Falcons, showcasing his excitement on social media. “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 team insider.
For the Falcons, this trade is a strategic maneuver aimed at bolstering their anemic pass rush. Since 2021, Atlanta has had the worst team quarterback pressure rate in the league at 27.6%. Although they improved slightly in the 2023 season, ranking 25th with a 32.7% pressure rate, their performance has left much to be desired. Additionally, they tied for 21st in sacks, ending the season with just 42.0 sacks.
The Falcons have long been searching for an answer to their pass-rush woes. Before acquiring Judon, they attempted to trade up in the draft for UCLA's All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually picked 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. They also made moves to acquire Montez Sweat, who ultimately went to the Chicago Bears before the 2023 trade deadline.
The Patriots, on the other hand, are looking to build a foundation for the future. With head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf leading the charge, the team is poised for a major rebuild. “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,” noted a source within the Patriots organization.
The Patriots' struggles in the 2023 season were highlighted by their worst scoring offense since 1992, with an average of only 13.9 points per game. To turn the tide, they drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal as a mentor for Maye.
Meanwhile, the Falcons are also addressing their quarterback situation. They signed Kirk Cousins to a substantial four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, hoping to end their playoff drought that dates back to 2016. Notably, Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks, achieving 15.5 sacks in that playoff season.
Judon's addition to the Falcons is a strong indication that the team is serious about addressing its defensive shortcomings. His proven track record and experience will be invaluable as Atlanta aims to improve its overall defensive performance and return to playoff contention.