FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons addressed a perennial need Wednesday, sending a third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, according to multiple league sources.
While the Patriots stockpiled more draft capital for their rebuild, the Falcons again signaled they believe they can win this season by making a significant offseason addition. Judon is a four-time Pro Bowler with 66 1/2 career sacks. He had 12 1/2 sacks in 2021 and another 15 1/2 in 2022 before missing most of last season due to a biceps injury.
Atlanta hasn’t had a player record a double-digit sack season since Vic Beasley (15 1/2) in 2016. In the last five seasons, the Falcons have recorded an NFL-low 138 sacks, according to TruMedia. That’s 23 fewer than the No. 31 team (Las Vegas Raiders).
Atlanta spent a third-round draft pick on a pass rusher in this year’s draft, adding Bralen Trice out of the University of Washington, but Trice suffered a torn ACL in the Falcons’ preseason opener Friday. While Trice was working with the second team in practice, Judon should step right into the starting lineup.
The Falcons were aggressive in their pursuit of pass rusher Montez Sweat last year but eventually lost out to the Chicago Bears, who sent a second-round pick to Washington in exchange for Sweat. Atlanta’s executives then watched as Sweat almost single-handedly turned around the Chicago pass rush. They’re hoping for a similar impact from Judon.
The 32-year-old is playing on the final year of his contract.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.