The Atlanta Falcons enter the offseason $5 million over the cap and have plenty of team needs. Highlighting one of Atlanta’s biggest defensive team needs is a pass rusher, especially an outside linebacker/EDGE rusher. The Falcons’ pass rush struggled tremendously to rush the passer last season, ranking 20th in pressures, 25th in pressure percentage, tied for 23rd in QB hits, 31st in sacks, and 27th in pass rush win rate.
Four EDGE rushers are set to hit free agency, including their Pro Bowler, who had a rough 2024 season.
The Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl EDGE rusher had a rough 2024 season
The Patriots traded Matt Judon to the Falcons for a 2025 third-round pick in the middle of August. Judon had a rough lone season with Atlanta, and, excluding 2023, he arguably had his worst statistical season since 2016, posting career lows in tackles, TFLs, QB hits, and sacks since his rookie season. He recorded 41 tackles, seven TFLs, nine QB hits, 5.5 sacks, and one interception in 17 games and 15 starts, representing 655 (59%) snaps.
Since Matt Judon completed the final year of his contract and did not sign an extension, he is set to hit free agency this offseason, and he is not expected to stay in Atlanta. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons and Judon’s reps have not had any contract extension talks at this point. Therefore, the four-time Pro Bowl EDGE rusher will more than likely depart in March and will sign elsewhere.
A look at the Atlanta Falcons current outside linebacker/EDGE rusher room
- Arnold Ebiketie (six sacks in 2024)
- Bralen Trice (missed rookie season with an ACL tear)
- DeAngelo Malone (two sacks in 2024)
