The New England Patriots traded Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The trade came after the Patriots and Judon could not agree on a contract extension.

Given the transfer of Judon, who missed a lot of time last season due to a torn biceps but recorded 15.5 sacks in 2022, new head coach Jerod Mayo ignored the lack of a top-notch pass rusher in New England’s defense for the upcoming season.

“We haven’t had a top-notch pass rusher for years — Chandler Jones, the Judons of this world,” Mayo began. “But we’ve been able to create a pass rush through our stunts and plays and our game planning. It’s not going to be one person. It’s hard to sit here and say one person can replace Matthew Judon, both on the field and off the field, but I think we have a good group ready to fill those shoes.”

What Mayo failed to mention is that the lack of a top-notch pass rusher in the past has certainly been found in other parts of the roster, such as the quarterback position with Tom Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the franchise.

The Patriots have unproven players on their roster, and trading Judon only creates more uncertainty.

However, the 2025 third-round pick gives New England a chance to continue rebuilding the roster and capitalize on a pass rusher who is still expected to be at his best. That’s the price you pay when rebuilding a roster, and Mayo is well aware that’s the price of the deal – even as a first-year head coach.