When the Atlanta Falcons first added veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, there was an expectation that a long-term deal would follow. Judon fell out with New England over what appeared to be contract concerns, and the franchise was all too happy to turn the page in exchange for a day two pick. Atlanta and Judon agreed that a deal wasn't going to be in the cards and opted to let the veteran play out the final year of his deal. A decision that aged well for the Falcons and poorly for a pass rusher who looked lost on the field last season.
To say Judon's 2024 performance didn't live up to expectations would be an incredible understatement. The pass rusher was often beaten badly and unable to defend the run at a high level. There was a time Judon's effort was questioned based on how awful the results had been. While a small piece of this was the scheme, there is no denying it was a bust of a trade for the Falcons.
This resulted in Judon hitting free agency and searching well into August for a new landing spot. Aging and unproven players easily found new teams before the former Falcons pass rusher, based on last season's results. Speaking to what an incredibly frustrating season it was both for Judon himself and Atlanta.
Four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon set to meet today with #Dolphins and is expected to join them, barring anything unforeseen, per league source. Judon, 32, has 72 career sacks, 5.5 last year for #Falcons previously #Patriots #Ravens @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/veh1A4LfRs
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 18, 2025
Failed Falcons Pass Rusher Closing in on New Deal
It seems that this endless search is now coming to an end with a report emerging that Judon is expected to sign with the Miami Dolphins. Heading to Florida seems a fitting move for a player who is one step short of retirement. Judon will fit in well with a Dolphins team that is consistently failing to live up to expectations and dealing with injury concerns.
For the Falcons, this was a move in the right direction that allowed the franchise to bring in a new trio of pass rushers. Leonard Floyd, Jalon Walker, and James Pearce Jr. are the prized additions of Atlanta's offseason. Pieces that give fans hope the pass rush can finally be above average in the 2025 season.
In truth, the Falcons simply having an average pass rush would be viewed as a win after seasons of ranking at the bottom of the league when it comes to getting to the quarterback. Judon was a big piece of this, and a player the Falcons gladly turned the page on as the franchise continues to search for answers.