Falcons address biggest need with massive Patriots trade

The Atlanta Falcons may have found a solution to arguably their biggest problem.

On Wednesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Falcons "are close to finalizing a trade" with the Patriots to acquire outside linebacker Matthew Judon.

Fellow NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that the Falcons were sending a 2025 third-round pick to the Patriots.

The addition of Judon is a home run for a team that desperately needed help generating pressure.

The Falcons lost their two most productive pass-rushers, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, in free agency, and rookie third-round pick Bralen Trice was placed on injured reserve on Sunday after suffering a knee injury in Atlanta's preseason Week 1 loss to the Dolphins.

Per Sports Info Solutions data provided by The 33rd Team , the Falcons ranked 30th in pressure rate last season (32 percent).

Judon was limited to four games (two starts) due to a torn biceps injury but still managed four sacks and 16 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus .

In 2022, Judon had 15.5 sacks, tied for the fourth-most in the league.

He joins a talented defense led by safety Jessie Bates III, corner A.J. Terrell and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.

Last season, the Falcons ranked 11th in total defense (321.1 yards per game), including eighth against the pass (202.9 yards per game).

Judon turns 32 on Thursday (Aug. 15) and is entering the twilight of his career. But the Falcons, who added quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, are in win-now mode, something Judon should help them do plenty of this season.