Many felt that the Atlanta Falcons would take a pass rusher with their first-round draft pick in April. Instead, they surprised everyone and selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
As a matter of fact, the Falcons didn’t grab an edge rusher until the third round, when they chose Bralen Trice out of the University of Washington.
Atlanta also didn’t add any pass rushers in free agency and actually lost its top two sack-getters from 2023, as both Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree signed elsewhere.
The Falcons desperately need someone who can get to the quarterback, which is why Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport has them swinging a blockbuster trade with the New England Patriots to acquire Matthew Judon.
Davenport suggests that Atlanta send a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 fifth-rounder to the Patriots in exchange for Judon, who is entering the final year of his deal.
Judon showed up to New England’s mandatory minicamp, so he isn’t making a big stink about his contract. But given his age (he is 32) and the fact that the Pats are in rebuilding mode, he seems like a perfect trade candidate between now and the October trade deadline.
Matthew Judon Would Be a Major Get For the Falcons
Judon is one of the best pass rushers in football when healthy, so he would absolutely be a huge acquisition for the Falcons.
This past year, he played in just four games due to a torn biceps, but he was productive during his time on the field, logging 13 tackles and four sacks.
He was coming off of two brilliant campaigns in 2021 and 2022, which represented his first two seasons as a member of the Patriots.
In the former year, Judon registered 60 tackles, 12.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Then, in the latter campaign, he racked up 60 tackles, 15.5 sacks, a couple of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Judon made four straight trips to the Pro Bowl between 2019 and 2022. He spent the first five years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with New England.
Atlanta totaled just 42 sacks last year, which ranked in the bottom third of the NFL. And that was before the club subtracted Campbell and Dupree.
The Falcons weren’t a bad defensive team in general in 2023, as they ranked a very respectable 11th overall. However, their lack of a pass rush could severely harm their chances of making the playoffs, even in the very winnable NFC South division.
Placing a call to the Patriots about Judon would be a very smart move by Atlanta.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
