In a blockbuster trade, the New England Patriots have sent four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. This move marks a significant shift for both franchises, with the Falcons addressing a long-standing need for an effective pass rusher, and the Patriots acquiring valuable draft capital as they rebuild under new leadership.
A Heavyweight Addition to the Falcons
The Falcons' front office has been in desperate need of a reliable edge rusher, and Judon’s acquisition is a significant coup. Over the past three seasons, Judon's performance has been stellar, recording 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022—tied for the third-most in the NFL during that span. Judon's 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, showcasing his elite ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
This move comes after a difficult trading period for the Falcons, who had previously struck out twice in their attempts to bring in pass-rush talent. They attempted to trade up to draft UCLA’s All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu and also made efforts to acquire Montez Sweat before he ultimately went to the Chicago Bears.
“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,” an insider commented, highlighting the significance of this acquisition for the Falcons. With Judon, the Falcons aim to bolster a defense that has struggled mightily in the past few seasons. The team had the worst quarterback pressure rate in the league since 2021 and ranked 25th in the NFL in the 2023 season.
New Home for Judon
Matt Judon's excitement about joining the Falcons has been evident from the start. He has already begun planning his relocation, a detail he shared on his Instagram story, expressing his anticipation for playing at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “That type of drama playing out feels unlikely with Judon expressing his excitement for this new home,” remarked an analyst, pointing to his seamless transition to Atlanta. Despite his 2023 season being cut short due to a torn lower bicep in Week 4, Judon remains one of the most formidable edge rushers in the league, capable of transforming the Falcons' defensive front.
Patriots' Strategic Rebuild
For the Patriots, this trade is a strategic move to accumulate as much draft capital as possible, as they aim to develop a competitive roster under the new regime led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The Patriots endured a dismal 4-13 season in 2023, marking their worst scoring offense since 1992, with an average of 13.9 points per game.
In an effort to revitalize their offense, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, they brought in quarterback Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal, intending for him to mentor the young Maye and help smooth his transition into the NFL.
“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 noted, underlining the Patriots' long-term rebuilding strategy.
Falcons' Aspirations
For the Falcons, the addition of Judon not only addresses a critical need but also signals the franchise’s intent to break their protracted playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. The last time a Falcons player recorded double-digit sacks in a season was when Vic Beasley achieved 15.5 sacks in 2016. With Judon now in their ranks, the team hopes to revitalize their defense and apply much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Falcons also made headlines during the off-season by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This massive investment underscores their ambition to make a deep playoff run and return to the upper echelons of the NFL.
As the 2024 season approaches, both franchises are at pivotal junctures. The Falcons, with Judon, are eyeing a resurgence in defensive prowess, while the Patriots are laying the groundwork for a future resurgence through strategic draft picks and player development. Both teams' off-season moves will be critical in shaping their fortunes in the coming years.