Matthew Judon coming to Atlanta represented the possibility of him becoming the team's best pass-rusher since 2016. Judon came with several double-digit sack seasons under his belt and was regarded as an elite player at his position. After one disappointing season, it appears his time is all but over as a Falcon.
Judon's failure to replicate the back of his football card happened for several reasons. Jimmy Lake's defense in Atlanta lasted just one season as he was fired as defensive coordinator after the season ended. Judon was asked to drop back in coverage way more than he was used to instead of just rushing the passer. A lack of a dominant edge on the other side of the line did not help either, no falcon has recorded ten or more sacks since Vic Beasley.
The Falcons will now need to pivot to finding another pass-rusher either through the draft or free agency. They currently hold the No. 15 pick in April's draft.