The Falcons‘ star running back Bijan Robinson is confident that Matthew Judon, now a part of the Atlanta Falcons, will give a new edge to the team’s defense with his game. Judon’s trade from Patriots to Falcons signals a new chapter for the team also, and Robinson hasn’t hidden his excitement.

In a clip posted on the Up & Adams‘s Twitter page, Robinson said directly, “That’s my dude. Like, we have the same agency,” on August 20, 2024. Citing his personal bond with Judon as they belong to the same agency, Clutch, he added, “He’s super funny, but he’s super talented on the field,” Robinson said, praising his talent and work ethic, “he just fits like this whole culture that we have here.”

When questioned about his thoughts on Judon’s influence, especially with his intention to up further, he responded, ” You know, Coach said he came and set the tone right away. Grady said he came off the edge and was just out of control, even though they just played just a little bit.”

The Red Reaper’s reputation is quite impressive. His past NFL records speak volumes as he scored 32 sacks and 133 tackles in just three seasons with the Patriots. In fact, Atlanta hasn’t had a double-digit sack leader since Vic Beasley in 2016, which was the year the team made its last Super Bowl appearance. Judon’s stats show what an impactful pass rusher he is, exactly what the Falcons defense needs right now. “What I was impressed with is, like, after the play, he would finish down the field 15 yards. That really does give a lift to not just the defense, but the whole team,” Robinson said.

Although his performance was slightly affected by injuries last season, we can’t ignore Judon’s past success. This will be a fresh start for him in the Falcons’ system, where his talent can shine again, and perhaps even more than before.

With Bijan Robinson in his corner and a defense hungry for a leader, all eyes will be on Judon. Although he is moving to Atlanta, it is just more than just shifting to a new city. 

Matthew Judon, from contract fight to Falcons proving ground

In the final year of his four-year, $56 million contract with the Patriots, Judon was scheduled to receive $6.5 million as a base salary, which he believes didn’t reflect his value, according to ESPN. When contract talks with New England reached a dead end, his frustration was evident. Judon showed up without pads on the team’s first full-pads practice at training camp, sitting on an upside-down trash barrel from the sideline. 

It was a clear signal. Things were not good enough! Later, he spoke to the director of player personnel, Matt Groh, and the vice president of player personnel. After missing two practices, he came back to the team. But, he wasn’t part of the Patriots’ plan, because of his age, as he was about to turn 32, and his cost. 

Now in Atlanta, Judon is making a fresh start, but he has learned that he will have to prove again. Following his first practice at the Falcons’ 2024 AT&T Training Camp, he spoke to the media. When asked about his contract extension, he emphasized, “The Atlanta fans know nothing about me as a football player and as about me as a man or you know that stuff they really know my previous resume and so uh I can’t really demand or ask for anything uh that I haven’t worked for and that’s that’s where I’ve been my whole life.”

Judon’s mindset is clear: he has come here to take his place, not just make demands. The Falcons expect him as the pass-rushing force they have been waiting for. With four Pro Bowls and 66.5 career sacks, Judon’s resume shows he can make a significant impact. But, his contract situation is still up in the air, so it’s natural to wonder whether a long-term deal is still on the cards. 

Judon just celebrated his 32nd birthday on August 15, 2024, and is likely calming down after the whirlwind of his trade, but his journey in Atlanta has just begun. It’s been almost 11 months since he last played, and Judon is ready to talk about his game and prove that this fresh start could be the turning point of his career.