The Atlanta Falcons are seen as a logical landing spot for the star pass rusher

CBS Sports took the time to compile a list of the best places to land current Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon. Unsurprisingly, the Falcons make the list, with the Lions and Seahawks also mentioned as potential candidates.

Of the three options, there’s no doubt that Atlanta’s pass rush situation is by far the most dire. You’re dealing with an unproven player in Arnold Ebiketie and a veteran who has shown himself unable to consistently get to the quarterback.

These are your current edge rushers, barring another addition. Bralen Trice is a promising young rookie, but he can’t be counted on to be a starter from day one. Atlanta needs to make progress at the position, and Judon may be the only viable option left.

The Judon trade changes expectations for Atlanta. Judon’s ability to rush the pass rush calls into question this team’s ability to compete with the rest of the NFC. There’s reason to believe Raheem Morris can create a viable pass rush that simply wouldn’t exist without the veteran.

The obvious obstacle is the lack of wiggle room to make this move. While this is a bit concerning at first glance, there are myriad cuts and deals that can be tweaked to create the necessary space. The deal idea makes perfect sense on paper, but remains unlikely.

Atlanta’s lack of interest in improving its passing game in a league dominated by quarterbacks is infuriating. That’s not to say the team hasn’t tried to take a step forward, but rather that the inability to land one suggests a lack of urgency.

With Kirk Cousins ​​now the starter, your window to contend for the title is at least slightly open. Adding a good passer makes you a viable NFC contender, not a favorite but a contender. Whether it’s blind belief in their current options or an inability to get a deal done, it doesn’t lend itself to belief in the current regime.

The Judon trade completely changes that outlook and gives the team legitimate hope of taking a step forward on defense. If the Patriots want it, Fontenot shouldn’t hesitate to spend whatever it takes to fix Atlanta’s biggest problem.