The Atlanta Falcons' trade for Matthew Judon was one of the team's biggest moves of the 2024 offseason. There was a level of expectation that Judon would be the franchise edge rusher the team had been missing since Vic Beasley's one outlier season in 2016. In the years since, the Falcons have yet to find a consistent edge presence. However, things wouldn't go as expected with Judon only offering 5.5 sacks in an underwhelming season.
Part of the issue for Judon was the fact that Atlanta would often have the edge defender in a position to drop into coverage. Still, the former Patriot was given ample opportunity to get to the quarterback. The underwhelming numbers led to some questioning of the veteran's effort and left Falcons fans consistently frustrated. This could be pointed to as the reason why Judon remains among the leauge's top free agents.
Former Atlanta Falcons Pass Rusher Matthew Judon Still Can't Find a Landing Spot
The former Falcon still being a free agent, still comes as something of a surprise. It was only two seasons ago that the veteran had double digit sacks and offered elite edge production. Even as a rotational option Judon had 5.5 sacks in the 2024 season and showed enough to earn another role. With this in mind, it seems likely the veteran is being very selection of his next landing spot.
While there was a time that it looked like a reunion in Atlanta made sense, things have drastically changed. Bralen Trice and Arnold Ebiketie have shifted from potential starting options to rotational pieces with the selections of James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. Add in the veteran presence of Leonard Floyd and the Falcons aren't likely to consider a reunion at this point.
It seems Judon is most likely exploring all of his options in an effort to land in the best situation possible. One great season will have the pass rusher cashing in during the 2026 offseason. This has to be the veteran's goal, considering how picky he has been finding the next landing spot. For Atlanta, it was time to turn the page, and the team has done just that, bringing in one of the most exciting rookie classes in recent memory.