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Falcons Fans Will Be Happy to See 2024 Bust Leave After Letting Team Down

By Richard Louis

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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The Atlanta Falcons went 8-9 in the first season under Raheem Morris. They were on the brink of making the playoffs but lost the final two games of the season.

The Falcons handed over the starting quarterback position to Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16 after Kirk Cousins continued to struggle under center.

Atlanta will be making some moves this offseason to improve the roster. There are a couple of guys who were on the team last season who won't make the cut in 2025.

One player that fans would be thrilled to see leave town would be linebacker Matthew Judon. Last August, Atlanta sent a 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for Judon.

The Falcons were tied for 24th in the league in sacks (42) during the 2023 season. They knew they needed to bolster the defensive line, but the addition of Judon didn't help much. In 2024, the 32-year-old finished with 41 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. He recorded 25 pressures, 16 QB hurries, and three QB hits.

Per PFF, Judon finished with a 43 overall grade (194th among 211 eligible edge defenders), a 53.9 pass-rush grade (161st among 211 eligible edge defenders), and a 53.6 run defense grade (160th among 211 eligible edge defenders).

Atlanta's pass rush also got worse, finishing 31st in team sacks (31) this past season.

His production just wasn't there for the Falcons, and they would be smart to let him walk in free agency. Judon was playing in the final year of a four-year, $54 million deal.

They tried to add a veteran force off the edge, but things didn't work out. He tore his biceps during the 2023 season, and that seemed to impact his production on the field. Judon will also be 33 years old when the 2025 season kicks off.

The Falcons would be better off finding a young edge rusher in free agency or through the NFL Draft. They tried to bring in an experienced pass rusher but it didn't work. Now it's time to turn the page and move forward.

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