Matt Judon Traded to Falcons as Part of Patriots' Rebuilding Effort
In a significant move that marks a transitional phase for both franchises, the New England Patriots traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. The deal culminated in the Patriots receiving a third-round pick in exchange, underscoring the Falcons' urgency to bolster their pass-rushing capabilities.
Judon's tenure with the Patriots was notable, as he recorded 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, ranking him tied for the third-most in the NFL over that period. His remarkable consistency saw him register a 15.5 sack season in 2022 and a 12.5 sack season in 2021, both ranking among the top four single-season sack records in Patriots history since 1982. However, his 2023 season was curtailed by a torn lower bicep suffered in Week 4, tipping the scales in the Patriots' decision to trade him as they rebuild.
“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,” highlighted an industry insider. This move underscores the Falcons' desperation to address their defensive deficiencies, evidenced by their league-worst team quarterback pressure rate (27.6%) since 2021 and their 25th ranking with a 32.7% pressure rate in the 2023 season.
The Falcons’ struggles to enhance their pass rush are well-documented. Despite drafting Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round and attempting to trade for Montez Sweat before he was traded to the Chicago Bears at the 2023 trade deadline, their efforts had fallen short. Even their attempt to trade up and draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu was thwarted when the Indianapolis Colts selected him 15th overall.
Judon's addition brings renewed hope to Atlanta, a team that hasn’t seen a player record double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley’s 15.5 in 2016. For Falcons fans, Judon's arrival, alongside their new quarterback Kirk Cousins—signed to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed—signals a reinvigorated ambition to break their playoff drought that dates back to 2016.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move publicly, Judon shared on his Instagram story that he is already exploring housing options near his new home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “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,” noted an observer close to the situation.
As Judon transitions to Atlanta, the Patriots are undergoing a regime change of their own. Head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf are steering the team through a period of significant upheaval. A 4-13 finish in the 2023 season, coupled with their worst scoring offense (13.9 points per game) since 1992, paints a clear picture of the challenges ahead. The Patriots’ draft pick of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the signing of Jacoby Brissett to mentor Maye, are strategic moves aimed at reshaping their future.
“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,” emphasized a source familiar with the Patriots' long-term vision. The trade of a high-caliber player like Judon showcases their commitment to accruing valuable assets for future success.
In essence, the Judon trade represents more than just a player swap; it is a vivid snapshot of two franchises diverging paths. The Falcons, capitalizing on a premier pass-rushers' availability, and the Patriots, recalibrating and methodically planning for the future. Fans of both teams will be watching closely as these new chapters unfold with Judon at the center of Atlanta’s revamped defense and the Patriots laying the groundwork for sustained competitiveness in the seasons to come.