The Atlanta Falcons initially believed they’d significantly boosted their pass rush by acquiring Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots just before the season opener. Judon had proven to be a dynamic edge rusher over the previous two seasons, racking up impressive sack numbers and making a major impact in both pass-rushing and run-stopping. Before joining the Falcons, he had been on track for another double-digit sack season in 2023, but an unfortunate biceps injury limited him to just four games, cutting short what could have been a productive year.
Since joining the Falcons, Judon has underperformed relative to expectations, securing only 1.5 sacks in his first eight games. This has contributed to Atlanta’s overall struggles with the pass rush, as the team currently ranks near the bottom of the league in this area. Despite Judon’s limited production, his 1.5 sacks still place him alongside Grady Jarrett at the top of the Falcons’ sack leaderboard. As a team, Atlanta holds a pass rush win rate of only 36%, ranking them 25th in the NFL. This lackluster performance is a clear indicator that Atlanta’s defense is missing the explosive edge-rushing power necessary to compete consistently, especially against teams with stronger offensive lines.
With a current record of 5-3 and a surprising hold on first place in the NFC South, the Falcons are still in contention, despite their defensive deficiencies. To solidify their playoff chances, the team has been urged to seek additional pass-rushing talent before the trade deadline. Analyst Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports recently suggested that Atlanta could target veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, currently with the Cleveland Browns, as a solution to their ongoing struggles. Schwab notes that Smith has had a strong season so far, amassing five sacks, and with the Browns holding a disappointing 2-6 record, they may be open to parting with their veteran star in exchange for assets to aid their rebuild.
Smith, who at age 32 is still showing he can perform at a high level, would bring proven pass-rushing ability to Atlanta. His experience and skills could bolster the Falcons’ defensive line, ideally resulting in better pressure on opposing quarterbacks and more consistent defensive stops. Financially, Smith’s contract could fit the Falcons’ cap space requirements for this season, though Atlanta will need to be cautious moving forward, as they currently project to have just over $9 million in cap space heading into 2025.
Adding Smith to the lineup would not only enhance the Falcons’ playoff chances but also provide valuable mentorship and depth to a young, evolving defense. However, a move for a player like Smith carries risk, given his age and contract value. Still, with the team’s sights set on a postseason push and the opportunity to win the NFC South, acquiring a player of Smith’s caliber could be the boost they need to overcome their defensive hurdles. Ultimately, the Falcons face a strategic decision: whether to make a substantial investment in improving their defense now or focus on long-term development and cap stability for future seasons.
