Matt Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, has been traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots decided to move on from Judon, who had been holding out in search of a new contract. The trade, as reported by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, involves the Falcons acquiring Judon in exchange for a third-round pick.
Judon, who is 32 years old, was sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 season due to a torn lower bicep but has been a standout performer in previous seasons, ranking third in sacks from 2021 to 2022.
Judon’s performance has been impressive, with a quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons, which is among the best in the league. Despite his strong individual statistics, the Falcons have struggled with quarterback pressure, ranking worst in the NFL in this area since 2021.
Judon’s acquisition addresses a significant need for the Falcons, who were among the lower teams in terms of sacks and quarterback pressure rate in the 2023 season.
The Falcons had previously attempted to bolster their pass rush through trades and draft picks but had limited success. They had tried to acquire Montez Sweat and move up in the draft for Laiatu Latu but were unsuccessful.
The trade for Judon represents a strategic move to address their pass-rushing deficiencies after failing to secure other targets. This trade also indicates the Falcons’ commitment to improving their roster and pushing for a playoff appearance after a six-season postseason drought.
From the Patriots’ perspective, trading Judon makes sense as they are in a rebuilding phase. The team, which struggled with its worst scoring offense in decades, is focused on accumulating draft capital to aid their long-term development.
With new head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president Eliot Wolf at the helm, the Patriots are following a strategy reminiscent of previous successful moves made under Bill Belichick’s tenure. Although they did not secure a higher pick, the trade allows them to gain a Day 2 pick for an aging and injured player.
Overall, the trade is seen as a success for both teams. The Falcons receive a much-needed pass rusher in Judon, though they face the challenge of negotiating a new contract with him. The Patriots, on the other hand, benefit from acquiring additional draft assets to support their rebuilding efforts.
The trade grades reflect these perspectives: the Falcons receive a B- for addressing a critical need but facing potential future issues with Judon’s age and contract situation, while the Patriots earn a B+ for securing valuable draft capital in their rebuilding process.
