When the Atlanta Falcons traded for veteran outside linebacker Matthew Judon in August 2024, they hoped the four-time Pro Bowler would provide immediate pass-rushing help.
But what began as a calculated gamble by Atlanta’s front office ended in major frustration – for both team and player.
The Falcons took on Judon’s $6.5 million base salary with the expectation that his proven ability to pressure quarterbacks would bolster a defense in need of a spark.
Judon had posted 12 or more sacks in two of the previous three seasons with New England. Instead, he finished 2024 with a modest 5.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits.
Pro Football Focus ranked him 70th out of 71 edge rushers league-wide – a stunning fall for a player once considered one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL.
Now, with last season long in the rearview mirror, Judon is speaking candidly about what went wrong.
“Hell naw, (it wasn’t bad luck),” Judon said. “If you go look at the film, I dropped (into coverage) on 60% of the plays. It’s hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.”
Judon emphasized that he wasn’t freelancing or refusing to follow the scheme – he was doing exactly what was called from the sideline.
“We got to play the play that’s called,” he said.
Judon’s remarks point to a glaring issue that analysts also flagged: Atlanta’s use of Judon as a coverage linebacker, rather than unleashing him as a pass rusher, neutralized his greatest strength.
Known for his burst and technique off the edge, Judon spent much of the season dropping into space rather than attacking the quarterback – a tactical decision that clearly didn’t maximize his abilities.
What was once hailed as a savvy move by Atlanta – acquiring a high-level veteran to plug a sudden roster hole – is now viewed by many as a misalignment of talent and system.
With the 2025 season approaching and the Falcons re-investing in younger talent, Judon doesn’t expect to stay in Atlanta.
“Yeah, probably,” he said of the chances he’s played his last down in a Falcons uniform.
“And then they had another kid (Bralen Trice) who tore his ACL. They’ll want to let them get out there and see what they can do. Hopefully they can be great edges in this league.”
At age 32, Judon is still weighing his next move. For now, he’s enjoying time with family and staying out of voluntary offseason workouts.
“I really haven’t gone to OTAs or minicamps since Year 2 in the league,” he said. “Right now, I’m just weighing the options, chilling and enjoying my family.”
Despite a down year in a misfit role, Judon’s resume remains impressive. Across his time with Baltimore and New England, he’s consistently been among the most productive edge rushers in the league.
He now hits free agency with plenty of motivation – and a chip on his shoulder.
Wherever he lands next, Judon made it clear: he’s ready to return to doing what he does best – hunting quarterbacks, not dropping into coverage.
We all know the type of impact player Judon can be when he’s utilized properly … One has to wonder: Do the Patriots regret moving on from him?
While the coaching staff has changed, it’s still possible that Judon could reunite with his old teammates in New England … Just how interested should the Patriots be???
