New England Patriots edge defender Matthew Judon has publicly denied any trade interest, but it’s clear that the four-time Pro Bowler is frustrated with his current contract situation. Now entering the final year of a four-year deal signed back in 2021, Judon is entering his age-32 season and is hoping to find long-term financial security. The pass rusher averaged roughly one sack per game with New England and played at a high level prior to his season-ending injury last year, but the Patriots aren’t showing much of an interest in extending him.
After trying to tread water without Tom Brady for four seasons, New England hit the reset button and fully embraced a rebuild. With their eye on the future, the aging Judon might not be a part of New England’s long-term plans. This tense situation led to an on-field dispute between Matthew Judon and head coach Jerod Mayo, and this eruption could be the catalyst for a trade to a contender like the Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs.
"It looked like things boiled over to a degree." @PhilAPerry and @tomecurran detail what they saw from Matthew Judon's interaction with Jerod Mayo, and his exit from Pats training camp today 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/z3f0vpx6j1
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) July 29, 2024
Matthew Judon, Jerod Mayo Fight Could Lead to A Trade
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best rosters in football, but a reunion could make them the NFL’s team to beat. Baltimore lost several key players in free agency, with one of the most important being edge defender Jadeveon Clowney. The former first-round pick had his best season in quite some time, recording 9.5 sacks and playing a crucial role in Baltimore’s run to the AFC Championship Game. With the South Carolina product now in Carolina, the Ravens could pursue Matthew Judon in a trade.
In theory, former first-round pick Odafe Oweh will step and replace Clowney’s production. However, the Penn State product has yet to prove he can handle a full-time role. Perhaps he can make the leap in Year 4, but the Ravens aren’t in a position to gamble on relatively untested talent. This team is in the midst of their championship window, and a trade for Matthew Judon could put this team over the top. In a best-case scenario, Judon, Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike could form the league’s most dangerous group of pass rushers. In a worst-case scenario, Judon’s presence will ensure Baltimore always has three players capable of getting after the passer.
Chiefs Winning With Defense
Quarterback and head coach are the two most important pieces for sustained success, and nobody has a better combination than the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the game and Andy Reid is one of the greatest offensive masterminds in NFL history, so this team will be competitive as long as these two are involved. However, while these two set the floor, the defense sets the ceiling. The Chiefs wouldn’t have won their second Super Bowl in as many seasons without their high-powered defense. This unit should still be good in 2024, but a Matthew Judon trade could make it elite.
With Aaron Donald retired, you could easily make the case that Chris Jones is the best defensive tackle in football. He and former first-round pick George Karlaftis form a strong pass-rushing duo, but they could use a third body. 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a rookie season to forget and a Matthew Judon trade should bolster the pass rush if Anudike-Uzomah can’t make the Year 2 leap.
Main Photo: Paul Rutherford – USA Today Sports
