ATL Standard

The Falcons have agreed to terms, pending a physical, to acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. They are expected to send a 2025 third-round pick to New England in the agreement.

The news was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Wednesday evening.

The development follows rookie outside linebacker Bralen Trice being placed on injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury after the Falcons' first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

According to Rapoport's report, the Patriots had been in "extensive contract talks" with Judon for a while. Those talks "never resolved his situation." On Aug. 12, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Judon is due $6.5 million in the final year of his deal and that New England made him a contract offer this summer, "which Judon did not accept."

Judon was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons with the Ravens, earning two Pro Bowl nods and accumulating 34.5 total sacks. Judon's best years came when he moved to New England, where his Pro Bowl run continued with significant improvements in almost every statistical category. He had double-digit sack totals in both 2021 and 2022, amounting to 28 sacks total in those two years.

Expectations for Judon were high heading into 2023. He was ranked No. 33 by fellow players in the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2023. However, his season was cut short as Judon suffered a torn lower bicep injury in the Patriots' Week 4 game.

The Falcons produced 42 sacks in 2023, their highest total since the 2004 season. However, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, who tied for the team lead in sacks last season with 6.5 each, are no longer on the roster. Last year's defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, is now in Jacksonville. Despite these changes affecting their pass rush capabilities, head coach Raheem Morris has managed to get strong performances from his players during camp.

Now, Morris reportedly has a proven double-digit sack producer to work with. Falcons fans have been eager for a star player off the edge and now they have one just before the start of the 2024 season.

Judon joins a Falcons pass-rushing core that includes Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie and James Smith-Williams.