Matthew Judon, a veteran outside linebacker, was traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 14, 2024, after rookie Bralen Trice tore his ACL. The Falcons took on Judon\u2019s $6.5 million base salary, hoping his experience and pass-rushing skills would boost their defense. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, had recorded 12 or more sacks in two of the previous three seasons. But his time in Atlanta fell short of expectations. He finished the 2024 season with 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits, according to NFL Rumors. Pro Football Focus ranked him 70th out of 71 edge rushers.<\/p>\n
Judon later said he was frustrated because he was asked to drop into pass coverage on 60% of plays, which limited his chances to rush the quarterback. What was once seen as a strong move by Atlanta was later viewed by some fans and analysts as a disappointment due to the mismatch between Judon\u2019s strengths and the team\u2019s defensive scheme.<\/p>\n
Veteran Linebacker Frustrated With Usage<\/p>\n
Judon didn\u2019t blame bad luck for his drop in production with the Falcons. Instead, he pointed to how he was used in the defensive scheme. \u201cHell naw, (it wasn\u2019t bad luck),\u201d Judon said Saturday. \u201cIf you go look at the film, I dropped (into coverage) on 60% of the plays. It\u2019s hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.\u201d He added that he was just following the game plan, saying, \u201cWe got to play the play that\u2019s called.\u201d<\/p>\n
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When asked about his chances of returning to Atlanta, Judon said it\u2019s unlikely, especially after the team invested in younger edge rushers. \u201cYeah, probably,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd then they had another kid (Bralen Trice) who tore his ACL. They\u2019ll want to let them get out there and see what they can do. Hopefully they can be great edges in this league.\u201d As for his future, Judon said he\u2019s staying away from offseason programs for now. \u201cI really haven\u2019t gone to OTAs or minicamps since Year 2 in the league,\u201d he said. \u201cRight now, I\u2019m just weighing the options, chilling and enjoying my family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judon\u2019s time in Atlanta didn\u2019t go as planned, but he\u2019s keeping his options open for the future. Wherever he lands next, he hopes to return to doing what he does best \u2014 rushing the quarterback.<\/p>\n
Related: Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors: Latest Update on Falcons QB\u2019s Future in Atlanta<\/a><\/p>\n