The Atlanta Falcons have made a big trade for the first time in quite some time. The NFC South favorites will send a third-round pick to the New England Patriots for four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon.
Judon has had some dominant seasons getting the quarterback, something the Falcons need more than anything. This was a big move that has the fanbase buzzing on social media.
Reactions to the Falcons trading for Matthew Judon
As I just mentioned, this move cannot be understated. This Falcons team has not had a proven pass rusher since John Abraham well over a decade ago. Matt Judon gives them the best edge rusher they have had since the all-time great was released.
This is a move that many fans wanted and got. It was received with a lot of positivity.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Falcons swung a huge trade, landing Matthew Judon from the #Patriots to bolster their pass rush. pic.twitter.com/P13M1OzmBI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2024
Don’t think the Falcons have made a move with this much positive feedback since signing Alex Mack. Getting established top players at their respective position is a beautiful thing.
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) August 14, 2024
He was also traded the day before his birthday, so Happy Birthday Matt Judon!
Matthew Judon is one of the most consistent edge rushers when healthy. Converts speed to power with the best of them. Relentless motor, solid against the run. Even though he turns 32 tomorrow, he is still a top-tier player who can take over games. Huge move by the Falcons.
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) August 14, 2024
Third rounders the Falcons have made since Terry Fontenot became GM:
— Adnan Ikic (@SayWhichWay) August 14, 2024
Jalen Mayfield
Desmond Ridder
DeAngelo Malone
Zach Harrison (jury’s still out)
Bralen Trice (jury’s still out)
Yea, I’m perfectly fine trading a third for an established veteran instead.
It would be great to hear about another addition soon, this time via free agency.
This is better than hearing Simmons signed with Atlanta but I still can’t wait to hear that
— ATL Will (@ATLWill_) August 14, 2024
Matthew Judon tallied 4 sacks in the 4 games he played in last season, which would’ve been tied for third on the Falcons last season.
— Cory Woodroof (@CoryWoodroof47) August 14, 2024
Judon is exactly the player this defense needs, at a position of greater need than anything else. 4 consecutive Pro Bowls and back to back double digit sack seasons before injury last year. I would expect the trade to come with a contract extension as well.
— Adnan Ikic (@SayWhichWay) August 14, 2024
Judon is 31 but didn’t start his career till he was 24, i think he still has plenty in the tank, hoping for a 3 year deal, expecting it to be around $25M AAV
— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) August 14, 2024
Pats trading their best player, few weeks before the opener. No idea what their plan is for this year.
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) August 14, 2024
Falcons will matter. Great move. https://t.co/Myk10GGRUV
Judon and Ebiketie worked out together this offseason.
— Rise Up Reader (@RiseUpReader) August 14, 2024
He’ll be a great mentor to AK.
Matthew Judon was seeking a new contract and presumably expects one from the Falcons.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 14, 2024
Over the last 5 seasons, Judon has posted the 4th-highest pressure rate out of 140 players with at least 1,000 pass rushes, per @ESPNStatsInfo. Only Micah Parsons, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa rank… https://t.co/HkP4dHNStW
We have to wait to see what type of contract is coming his way. It will be expensive but considering the struggles at the position we have had, it will be well worth it.