Veteran Pro Bowler free agent Matthew Judon could sign with a new team soon this offseason before the 2025 regular season. One source believes the expectation is that the linebacker will sign at least with a contender, as he wants to head to a team that “makes sense.” This could mean several things, but this could signal that he likely wants to join a contender to win a possible championship since he isn’t getting any younger. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Grand Valley State product left the New England Patriots last offseason in a trade to the Atlanta Falcons, but he wasn’t happy with his role he got either way even though the Falcons were looking for a capable pass-rusher to boost their defense.
Judon has at least 12 sacks in the past two of his three seasons, but the expectations fell short in Atlanta. After recording 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits, it was more of a down year for the veteran. The pass-rusher didn’t like the game plan that Atlanta had, where they made him drop back for 60% of his snaps, and that didn’t do him justice in getting after the quarterback. It’s clear he’s better off joining a defense that loves to be physical, and he might get it from these four suitors, as he’s getting interest from multiple teams.
Four-Time Pro Bowler Free Agent Matthew Judon Could Sign Soon – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
If anyone can bring out the physicality in Matthew Judon, it’s the philosophy that Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter can pencil together. Last season, the Chargers didn’t have the best run defense, but someone like Judon could fit into this system and bolster one pass-rushing side on the opposite end of veteran Khalil Mack. Despite re-signing Bud Dupree to a new deal, they need someone who can bring this team to a championship, and Judon could do that on a low-stakes contract since they lost Poona Ford and Morgan Fox, who arguably kept this unit competitive.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints will likely have to lean on the defense to win most of their ball games this season. They don’t have an adequate quarterback room, but they do have a capable defense after trading for Davon Godchaux to fortify the defensive trenches. They have yet to get a replacement after losing Willie Gay, and Judon could complete the other two linebackers, DeMario Davis and Pete Werner, as the dangerous starting three in the NFC.
Baltimore Ravens
However, no one should rule out the idea of a reunion, as Judon isn’t shutting the door on that. Between Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson, Judon could complete this package to add more firepower. Simpson is coming off one of the worst seasons in his career, and the presence of Judon could benefit Smith and Oweh in the pass rush.
Washington Commanders
Even though the Commanders look like one of the top elite teams on offense, the same can’t be said about defense. The team brought back Bobby Wagner and signed Deatrich Wise Jr., but these two might not be enough to help Frankie Luvu get after the quarterback. They lost Dante Fowler Jr. to Dallas, and Judon could fill the hole to complete this championship to a potential Super Bowl.
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