The Atlanta Falcons finally addressed their biggest roster need by trading for Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon on Wednesday evening. The team’s two sack leaders from 2023 — Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree — left in free agency and the recent injury to rookie Bralen Trice was the final straw that compelled Atlanta to make a move.
While head coach Raheem Morris downplayed the role Trice’s injury had on the Falcons’ decision to acquire Judon, he said the Falcons were excited to add “a dog” to their defense.
“Anytime that you can add a dog to your group and have them be able to come and be a part of that, that is exciting,” said Morris. “His reputation precedes himself, you know, the Pro Bowl thing is impressive but actually going out there and playing against this dog when he was in Baltimore — we were here in 2016.”
Glad to have @man_dammn on our side pic.twitter.com/aZES7ICmzT
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 15, 2024
“You get a guy with the ability to come in here and be a game wrecker for you right now, you figure out those things,” Morris explained.
Judon, 32, has 66.5 career sacks and 165 QB hits since entering the league in 2016. After stacking five solid seasons in Baltimore, Judon took his game to another level in New England over the last three seasons. In 2021, he recorded a career-best 12.5 sacks before topping his record with 15.5 sacks in 2022.
The Falcons acquired Judon for a 2025 third-round pick, restructuring guard Chris Lindstrom‘s contract to complete the trade with New England. Lindstrom’s $12.5 million base pay was converted to a bonus, freeing up the necessary space to add Judon.
