A Matthew Judon trade looks more and more likely by the day. A fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Judon outplayed his draft capital to become one of the league’s better pass rushers with the Baltimore Ravens. After five strong seasons with Baltimore, the Grand Valley State product signed a four-year, $54.5 million contract with the New England Patriots and took his game to another level. The pass rusher recorded 28 sacks through his first two seasons with the club and averaged a sack per game in 2023 before a biceps injury limited him to just four games.
Now healthy and back on his feet, the pass rusher is looking for a raise as he enters his age-32 season. However, the rebuilding Patriots don’t seem interested in giving him a raise, and that latest tweet by Matthew Judon implies that New England could trade him.
Lord I’ve seen what you have done for others 😏😏. I know mines on the way maybe. Praise him any how. pic.twitter.com/K5X5TyPALJ
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) June 3, 2024
Matthew Judon Hints At Trade In Latest Twitter Post
You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to see Judon’s frustration is slipping onto Twitter. The pass rusher wants more long-term financial security, but the Patriots might not be willing to give it. While the team has plenty of cap space, they’re not in a position to pay up for older talent. New England is embracing a rebuild, and Judon will probably be past his prime before New England is ready to seriously compete.
Of course, it takes two teams to execute a Matthew Judon trade. While the Patriots won’t win too many games in 2024, several win-now teams could use a veteran capable of consistently getting after the quarterback.
Possible Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers, the Ravens are in the market for another edge rusher and could reunite with a familiar face. Former first-round pick Odafe Oweh is reportedly impressing in offseason work, but this team could still use another pass rusher. Kyle Van Noy isn’t getting any younger, and David Ojabo is anything but a sure thing. Matthew Judon is the ideal trade target, as he fits a position of need and shouldn’t need much time to adjust to the defensive scheme and playcalling.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs knew they needed more help on the defensive line when they selected Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While it’s too early to completely give up on the Kansas State product, the early returns are worrisome. Anudike-Uzomah did next to nothing as a rookie, recording just half a sack while struggling to beat blocks and hold his own in the run game. The Chiefs are looking to win their third Super Bowl in as many years and cannot afford to let the first-round pick learn on the job. Perhaps Anudike-Uzomah improves in Year 2, but a Matthew Judon trade will ensure the team has three players capable of taking down the quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons believe they can win it all with Kirk Cousins running the show. However, Cousins can’t do it all on his own, and this team must improve their defense if they want to go on a deep playoff run. Atlanta lacks a player capable of consistently providing pressure off the edge, but they could get one with a Matthew Judon trade. While the team heavily invested in the defensive line during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons need someone like Judon capable of making a Day 1 impact.
Carolina Panthers
Much like the Patriots, the Panthers won’t win the Super Bowl in 2024. However, they could still consider a Matthew Judon trade. With Brian Burns in New York, Carolina spent the offseason finding short-term veterans to solidify the pass rush. Judon could pair with Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum to form a reliable pass rush, even if all the aforementioned players are on the older side. Fixing Bryce Young must be Carolina’s top priority, and Judon can help do that by solidifying a defense and putting less pressure on the offense.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have a new franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams and one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league. This offense could guide the team to the playoffs, but the defense will ultimately determine this team’s ceiling. Montez Sweat provides some much-needed stability on the edge, but Chicago could still use another pass rusher. Matthew Judon is the perfect trade target who should be able to help this team compete in a wide-open NFC.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj – USA Today Sports
