FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In the world of American football, where every move is scrutinized and every decision can make or break a team’s season, Atlanta’s pass-rushing struggles have been a point of concern for many. However, for Falcons first-year head coach Raheem Morris, this is not something that keeps him up at night. Instead, he is focused on the future, and on Thursday, the team’s contract situations took center stage.
Morris’s attention was squarely on the team’s acquisition of edge rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots in exchange for a third-round draft pick. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, brings a level of talent and experience to the Falcons that they have not seen in a pass rusher since Vic Beasley nearly a decade ago.
“Forget what happened in the past because none of that matters,” Morris said. “The thing you are fixated on is making sure your pass rush can affect the quarterback because that’s a part of winning football. Anytime you’ve got a chance to affect that, you can’t pass on it.”
Judon himself acknowledged the challenges of playing on the final year of his contract, stating, “Honestly, it’s tough going into the last year of the deal. You kind of look at everybody around the building and you see them getting deals done and worked out, and it’s tough to not be envious. But I have to focus on myself. As much as everyone wants to see me stay around here for a long time, it’s really not up to me.”
Playing on the final year of a two-year contract, Judon’s situation drew comparisons to Von Miller’s mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Morris highlighted Miller’s success with the Rams, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory, before he eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills.
“When you get a guy who has the ability to come in and be a gamer right away, you figure out those things,” Morris said confidently.
While the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans were also in talks with the Patriots regarding Judon, it was ultimately the Falcons who sealed the deal. To make room for Judon’s contract, the Falcons will restructure offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom’s deal. With Atlanta responsible for Judon’s $6.5 million salary this season and limited salary-cap space, the restructure was a necessary move.
The Falcons, who finished 21st in the league in sacks last season with 42, had high hopes for rookie edge rusher Bralen Trice from Washington. However, those hopes were dashed when Trice suffered an ACL tear in Atlanta’s preseason opener, ruling him out for the entire season.
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, every move counts, and the acquisition of Judon represents a significant step for the Falcons as they look to improve their pass rush and make a statement in the upcoming season. Only time will tell if this move will pay off, but for now, all eyes are on Atlanta as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead.
