4 perfect landing spots for Matthew Judon if the Patriots trade him
By Matt Sidney
Put me down as a New England Patriots fan who would hate to see Matt Judon traded away. His leadership and performance on the field have been crucial over the past three seasons with the Pats. When he's healthy,
Judon is a force to be reckoned with, racking up sacks. He seemingly gets to the quarterback at will and disrupts plays consistently, and there really isn't anyone else like him on the team.
However, sometimes circumstances prevail, and moments arise when it's time to move on. Over the past three years, he has been a key player in the front seven. However, his health and age are significant concerns. As players get older, they tend to deteriorate more quickly than when they were younger, and recovering from a season-ending injury is never guaranteed.
The New England Patriots' status is an important factor. Although fans may believe the team is close to competing, it really isn't. They lack foundational skill players everywhere and they should be in asset-accumulation mode at this point.
The Patriots should consider trading Judon now to acquire future draft picks and/or young talent to build around for the future. By the time the Patriots are ready to compete, Judon will likely be in his late thirties.
As the Patriots consider their next moves, let’s examine potential new homes for Matt Judon that could maximize his talents and provide him with a team context where he can thrive.
Here are the top four teams where Judon could make a significant impact, enhancing their defensive line while continuing to showcase his skills at the highest level.
4 perfect landing spots for Matthew Judon if the Patriots trade him
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons make a world of sense for Matt Judon. They seemingly always need more pass-rushing help, and this offseason signaled that they are going all-in for the next few years. Why not add a pro-bowl-level pass rusher to an already up-and-coming defense?
The Falcons' secondary is young and quite intimidating. However, the defensive line and outside linebackers need assistance. This is where Judon could excel. With A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates locking down receivers downfield, Judon could potentially capitalize on some easy coverage sacks.
The Patriots' asking price for Judon could be draft picks, which would be a great return for a potentially healthy, soon-to-be 32-year-old. Trading him to the NFC would also be a bonus, as they wouldn't need to go up against him often.