There is a lot of smoke surrounding a potential Matthew Judon trade. Originally making a name for himself with the Baltimore Ravens, the former fifth-round pick joined the New England Patriots in 2021 and has been one of the best players of the post-Brady Era. The edge defender has averaged just under one sack per game with the club and made the Pro Bowl in his two healthy seasons with New England.
The pass rusher suffered a season-ending biceps injury early in 2023 but is 100% entering the offseason. However, now entering the final year of his deal, Matthew Judon stayed away from OTA’s in hopes of getting some long-term security, either by way of an extension or a trade. While he said he will be back for mandatory minicamp, Bleacher Report believes the Patriots could trade him back to the Baltimore Ravens. Overall, the Patriots will send Judon and two seventh-round picks for two fifth-round selections.
Ravens, Patriots Linked in Matthew Judon Trade Talks
If the Patriots trade Matthew Judon, this fit makes as much sense as any. The pass rusher is still a great player, but he’s entering his age-32 season and is due for a major raise. After trying to tread water without Brady, the Patriots crashed and burned in 2023 and are now fully embracing a rebuild with quarterback Drake Maye. The foundation is in place for a rebuild, but they’re not ready to compete in 2024.
The Baltimore Ravens, meanwhile, could use more help on the edge. Former first-round pick Odafe Oweh has promise, but Baltimore could use a proven replacement for Jadeveon Clowney. Matthew Judon entered the league with the Ravens, so head coach John Harbaugh will know how to get the best out of the trade target.
Of course, Baltimore won’t be the only team interested in a Matthew Judon trade. While he might not have five more years of elite play left in his tank, the pass rusher will be an immense short-term help for any of the league’s top contenders.
Other Potential Fits
Atlanta Falcons
With Kirk Cousins running the show, the Atlanta Falcons have the offensive talent to go on a deep playoff run. What they lack, however, is a defense capable of holding up their end of the bargain. Atlanta added multiple defensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft but should consider a trade for a proven veteran like Matthew Judon. Cousins isn’t exactly a spring chicken, so this team cannot afford to slowly bring these young players along.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs do not win their latest Super Bowl without the impressive play of their talented defense. While the unit was one of the more efficient defenses in the league, it could’ve used another pass rusher. This flaw is even more glaring with L’Jarius Sneed on the Titans, as the coverage unit won’t be as effective. Pairing Matthew Judon in a trade with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis should give the Chiefs one of the most dangerous pass-rushing trios in the league, which could power them to their third Super Bowl win in as many seasons.
Detroit Lions
After narrowly missing the Super Bowl in 2023, the Detroit Lions are running it back in 2024. Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown are locked up for years to come, while the secondary added several new faces over the past few months. Detroit has good odds of a deep postseason run, but they could still use another pass rusher. Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best in the game, and the Lions added Marcus Davenport in free agency. This pass rush isn’t a liability, but adding Matthew Judon via trade will turn a former weakness into a major strength.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are not contenders, but they could still be in the Matthew Judon trade sweepstakes. The team went nuts in free agency, signing several big-name free agents to help infuse this roster with the talent needed to support Bryce Young. Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum can replace Brian Burns, and adding Matthew Judon to the mix will create an even stronger pass rusher. Part of supporting a young quarterback is ensuring he doesn’t have to throw the ball 600 times (see: Howell, Sam) and Judon will help with that goal.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints believe they are contenders, and that alone will make them pursue a Matthew Judon trade. If everything goes right, the duo of Chase Young and Cam Jordan will routinely get after the quarterback in 2024. However, both players are coming off injury, Young has never been particularly consistent, and Jordan is entering his age-35 season. Judon will provide much-needed stability to this unit and could be the missing piece to win the relatively weak NFC South.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj – USA Today Sports
