Matthew Judon did not have the impact expected in 2024 with the Falcons, finishing with 5.5 sacks in 17 games.
While it was the four-time Pro Bowler’s lowest per-game sack production since his rookie year, Judon is adamant the fall-off didn’t have to do with luck or age.
Judon said his role was different with the Falcons compared to previous years.
“Hell naw, (it wasn’t bad luck),” Judon said in an exclusive interview with Card Player. “If you go look at the film, I dropped (into coverage) on 60 percent of the plays. It’s hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.”
Judon is one of the biggest names still available in free agency.
While he may not be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate like at his peak, the 32-year-old believes there is still gas left in the tank.
“I think I can still [play],” Judon said. “But that’s not up to me. I’m not a GM making that decision. I just have to be ready if and when my name is called.”
Judon said “a couple” teams have expressed interest, but he’s in no hurry to sign.
“I really haven’t gone to OTAs or minicamps since year 2 in the league,” Judon said. “Right now I’m just weighing the options, chilling and enjoying my family.”
Judon acknowledged a return to Atlanta is doubtful. The Falcons drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce, Jr. in the first round and signed Leonard Floyd in free agency.
“Yeah, probably,” Judon said when asked if the Falcons’ draft moves make a return unlikely. “And then they had another kid (Bralen Trice) who tore his ACL. They’ll want to let them get out there and see what they can do. Hopefully they can be great edges in this league.”
Judon was asked about a potential reunion with the Ravens, where he played the first five seasons of his career and made two Pro Bowls.
“I’m open to whatever,” Judon said. “I’ll just have to weigh my options and see what comes down the pipe.”
Judon was asked if he would play anywhere, or prefers a contender at this stage in his career.
“Not anywhere,” Judon said. “It’s got to make sense.”
Judon spoke from the Mack Wilson Celebrity Basketball game on Saturday at Corona del Sol High School. He played in the game alongside ex-Patriots teammates Wilson, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and defensive lineman Keion White.
“Stuff like this is always good, and then you get to have fun with your homies in the offseason, chop it up with them the day before and after,” Judon said.
Judon singled out Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. as the person who impressed him most on the basketball court.
“We already knew ‘Maserati’ was athletic, but he can shoot and he’s got a nice handle,” Judon said. “And then Quez (Watkins) is nice. There were a lot of nice dudes. (Robert) Fomby was real nice.”
Kyle Odegard has been a professional journalist for two decades, with four years of experience in the sports betting industry. He was a beat writer for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2021 and previously covered MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and more for the East Valley Tribune newspaper in Tempe, Arizona. Kyle has broken multiple national stories about the Arizona Cardinals and his work has been referenced by numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Daily Mail, the New York Post, Yahoo!, FOX News, MSN, the Arizona Republic and Pro Football Talk.
*Photo – Bob Donnan, Imagn Images
