Matthew Judon calls out Falcons’ defensive staff for misusing him in 2024

Atlanta Falcons' free agent Matthew Judon isn't pointing fingers — he’s pointing to the tape.

The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, who spent the 2024 season with the Falcons, is officially a free agent after a disappointing one-year stint that left both sides wanting more. But according to Judon, his lack of production wasn’t bad luck — it was bad schematics.

“If you go look at the film, I dropped [into coverage] on 60% of the plays,” Judon told Card Player’s Kyle Odegard. “It’s hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.”

Statistically, that claim isn’t too far off. Per Pro Football Focus, Judon rushed the passer on just over 50% of his 655 defensive snaps. The rest were spent in run defense or coverage — a far cry from the downhill attack style that made him one of the league’s most productive edge threats in years past.

Judon finished with 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss — his lowest totals since his rookie year. Only four of those sacks came in the second half of the season, as the Falcons limped to an 8-9 finish.

Now 32, Judon appears unlikely to return to Atlanta. After the Falcons drafted edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round this April, Judon admitted the writing may be on the wall.

“Yeah, probably,” he said when asked if Atlanta’s draft moves make a reunion unlikely. “They’ll want to let them get out there and see what they can do.”

The Falcons’ approach this offseason clearly reflects a desire to build around youth — a shift from last year when they traded for Judon midseason. That move, made during a desperate push for pass rush help, never paid off.

Despite his age and a down year, Judon said he’s been in contact with “a couple” of teams in free agency and is open to the right fit. He’s been loosely linked to teams like the Commanders and could be a depth piece for a contender.

“I’m just weighing the options, chilling and enjoying my family,” Judon said. “It has to make sense.”

Whether his next stop is a contender in need of veteran experience or a team hoping to squeeze a little more juice out of a former Pro Bowler, Judon is making it clear — this time, he wants to be used the right way.