In a strategic move that signals a clear shift in priorities, the New England Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots, in return, received a third-round pick from the Falcons, emphasizing New England's desire to build draft capital for the future.
Judon's Impact
Matt Judon's tenure with the Patriots was marked by his exceptional performance on the field. From 2021 through 2022, Judon recorded an impressive 28.0 sacks, placing him in a tie for the third-most sacks in the NFL over that period. Despite a season-ending torn bicep injury in Week 4 of the 2023 season, Judon's previous seasons were nothing short of stellar, with 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021. These achievements rank as the third and fourth-most sacks in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Judon's effectiveness was not limited to just sacks; his quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at an impressive 15.7%, positioning him seventh in the league. His impact on the field has been undeniable, making this trade a significant acquisition for the Falcons.
Falcons' Struggles and Attempts
The Falcons have struggled with their pass rush in recent years, ranking 25th in the NFL for the 2023 season with a 32.7% pressure rate. Atlanta's team quarterback pressure rate since 2021 has been the worst in the league at 27.6%. The addition of Judon, a proven disruptor, aims to address this longstanding issue. Furthermore, the Falcons tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks during the 2023 season, another area where Judon's presence is expected to make an immediate impact.
The trade for Judon represents a determined effort by the Falcons to bolster their pass rush. The team also attempted to trade for Montez Sweat before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline. Additionally, they sought to trade up in the draft to secure UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was ultimately picked by the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. These aggressive attempts illustrate Atlanta's urgent need to enhance their defensive front.
New Beginnings
For Judon, the move to Atlanta offers a fresh start. The edge rusher expressed his excitement about joining the Falcons, even sharing on Instagram his efforts to find a new home near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This enthusiasm bodes well for his integration into the Falcons' system and his potential contribution to the team's efforts to end their playoff drought, which dates back to 2016. The last Falcons player to record double-digit sacks was Vic Beasley, who notched 15.5 in 2016. Judon's arrival brings hope that he can replicate or surpass that performance in the coming seasons.
Patriots' Road Ahead
As the Patriots pivot towards rebuilding, Head Coach Jerod Mayo and Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf are at the helm. New England finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, their worst since 1992, marked by a scoring offense that averaged just 13.9 points per game. In response, the Patriots have taken significant steps to rejuvenate their roster. They selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year contract, positioning Brissett as a mentor for the rookie signal-caller.
This trade underscores the Patriots' strategy to accumulate draft resources, as noted by one source: "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."
Big Move for the Falcons
Atlanta's newly-acquired quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, will also benefit from improved defensive support. As the Falcons aim to return to postseason play, the addition of Judon, alongside other strategic moves, highlights their commitment to constructing a robust and competitive team.
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. Now, with Judon on board, the Falcons are poised to revitalize their defense and make a significant push towards ending their playoff absence.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes impact both franchises. With Judon eager to start anew in Atlanta and the Patriots focusing on rebuilding through the draft, the narratives for both teams promise to be compelling.