Matt Judon's recent trade to the Atlanta Falcons marks a significant move in the NFL landscape. The New England Patriots traded the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher in exchange for a third-round pick, a transaction that has undoubtedly made waves in both the Patriots’ and Falcons’ camps.
Judon’s performance over the past few seasons speaks volumes about his capabilities on the field. With a remarkable tally of 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, Judon was tied for the third-most sacks in the NFL during that period. His contributions included a standout 15.5 sack season in 2022 followed by a strong 12.5 sack season in 2021. These accomplishments rank as the third and fourth-most sacks in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Impact on the Patriots
For the New England Patriots, trading Judon is part of a broader strategy to build for the future. The team's performance in the 2023 season was less than stellar, finishing with a 4-13 record and their worst scoring offense since 1992, averaging just 13.9 points per game. This marks a period of significant change, with a new regime led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. As the Patriots look to rebuild, acquiring additional draft capital like the third-round pick from the Falcons will be crucial.
The Patriots are also banking on new talent to turn their fortunes around. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall, a move indicating their commitment to rejuvenating the team’s offensive core. Additionally, they have brought in veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal to mentor Maye and provide experienced stability to the squad.
Falcons Bolster Their Defense
For the Falcons, the acquisition of Judon addresses a longstanding need. The team has struggled with an insufficient quarterback pressure rate since 2021, frequently ranking at the bottom of the league. In 2023, they finished 25th in the NFL with a 32.7% pressure rate and tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks. The last time a Falcons player recorded double-digit sacks was in 2016 when Vic Beasley achieved 15.5 sacks.
Judon’s arrival is expected to provide much-needed firepower to the Falcons' defense. His quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. "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 noted, highlighting the relentless pursuit of defensive enhancements by the Falcons' front office.
Excitement and Optimism
Judon himself has shown enthusiasm for his new team. Expressing his excitement, he posted on his Instagram story about figuring out where to live in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons' home ground. This bodes well for a seamless transition and a positive start to his tenure with the Falcons.
The Falcons have made other ambitious moves, including drafting Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round and attempting to trade for Montez Sweat before he moved to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. They even tried to move up in the draft to select UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was eventually picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall.
One of the most significant moves by the Falcons was signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. This signing aims to strengthen their offensive capabilities, complementing their strategic enhancements on defense with Judon’s acquisition.
Future Prospects
With Judon onboard, the Falcons hope to end their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. Establishing a solid defense is a critical component of their strategy to become competitive once again. In contrast, the Patriots are focused on a longer-term rebuild, using the additional draft capital and new talent to return to form under their new leadership.
“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,” encapsulates the Patriots’ current state of affairs.
For both teams, the trade marks a pivotal point in their respective journeys. While the Falcons look for immediate impact and playoff contention, the Patriots aim to build a robust foundation for the future. The ensuing seasons will reveal just how impactful this trade will be for both franchises.