In a bold move to bolster their defensive front, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowler Matt Judon. This trade comes as part of the Falcons’ efforts to improve a defense that has struggled with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With a quarterback pressure rate of just 32.7% in the 2023 season, ranking 25th in the NFL, and tying for 21st in sacks with a total of 42.0, the need for a formidable pass rusher was evident.
Judon’s Decision
Both the Falcons and the Chicago Bears vied for Judon’s talents, each offering a third-round pick to the New England Patriots. In a somewhat rare move, the Patriots allowed Judon the freedom to choose his next destination. Ultimately, Judon selected the Falcons over the Bears. As one analyst pointed out, “He obviously chose the Falcons because they are in an NFC South division that seems to be very much up for grabs year-to-year while Chicago has some stiff competition in the NFC North with two of their division foes, the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, both winning at least one playoff game last season.”
A Resilient Defender
Judon is expected to bring significant experience and skill to Atlanta. Despite suffering a season-ending torn lower bicep injury in Week 4 of the 2023 season, his track record from 2021 to 2022 speaks volumes. Over these two seasons, Judon accumulated 28.0 sacks, a figure tied for the third-most in the NFL during that period. Specifically, he posted 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, all while maintaining an impressive quarterback pressure rate of 15.7% over the past three seasons.
Complementing the Draft
The acquisition of Judon complements the Falcons’ recent draft picks aimed at strengthening their defense. Their second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro, and their third-round pick, Washington’s Bralen Trice, are expected to play key roles. Unfortunately, Trice is currently on injured reserve following an ACL tear during the preseason opener, but the team remains optimistic about his future contributions once he recovers.
Offensive Reinforcements
In addition to defensive upgrades, the Falcons have also made strides to strengthen their offense, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins is recovering from a season-ending injury, but his track record suggests that he can be a valuable addition to the Falcons’ roster once he returns to full health.
Striving for Postseason Success
The Atlanta Falcons have not made a postseason appearance since 2016, a drought that has felt interminable for the team and its fans. The addition of veterans like Judon and Cousins signals a clear intention to break this cycle and return to playoff contention. Reflecting on the team’s previous attempts to secure top talents, one source noted, “Atlanta walked away with their prize this time after failing to do so, in the Montez Sweat trade sweepstakes, losing him to the Bears, and in their bid to trade up for UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.”
As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming season, the combination of fresh draft picks and seasoned veterans appears to set a promising foundation. The hopes are high that these strategic moves will translate into a much-improved performance on the field, reigniting their quest for postseason glory.