Falcons trade draft pick for four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher

Terry, you actually did it.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons traded a 2025 third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon.

The Falcons have been criticized for decades for neglecting their pass rush, going draft after draft focusing on the offense. With this move, Atlanta has finally addressed one of the most pressing needs that has haunted this organization for over a decade.

Judon was sidelined for most of the 2023 season with a torn bicep and was ready to re-negotiate his contract with New England heading into its final year. The Patriots were unable to come to an agreement with Judon, instead marketing his services on the trading block. Judon had multiple suitors, but the Falcons were able to seal the deal.

Before being sidelined, Judon has had four straight Pro Bowl seasons, spanning back to his days with the Baltimore Ravens . Judon's 28 sacks between 2021 and 2022 are tied for third-most in the two seasons with Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt and are behind only Cleveland Browns ' Myles Garrett and San Francisco 49ers ' Nick Bosa.

With the injury to Bralen Trice , Falcons GM Terry Fontenot was forced to supplement the edge rushing room and he did it in a major way.