The future of Matthew Judon continues to be one of the trending topics surrounding the New England Patriots.
Judon, who enters his final season under contract, is set to earn a modest salary in 2024 after New England gave him a cash advance last offseason. Judon reportedly asked for a new contract and the Patriots made an offer, but the two parties apparently aren’t close to a new deal. It also was reported Judon won’t play on his current deal, though the star edge rusher himself rejected that theory.
Regardless, it’s a murky situation between Judon and the Patriots. And it’s prompted some to wonder whether New England could trade Judon before the regular season.
Here are three teams that could be potential landing spots for Judon, who enters his age-32 campaign after being limited to just four games last season.
Detroit Lions
This would serve as a homecoming for the Michigan native, who played high school and college football in his native state. It also would serve as an all-in move for Dan Campbell’s hard-nosed bunch. Judon would give the Lions a much-improved complement to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions improved on that side of the ball the last two seasons but still ranked 27th in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. Detroit radio host Mike Valenti recently proposed the Lions should send a fourth- and sixth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Judon.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens once again enter the campaign as Super Bowl contenders. Trading for Judon, who spent his first five seasons in Baltimore, could go a long way for a defense that will be tasked to stop Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, etc. Both 2022 second-rounder David Ojabo and 2021 first-rounder Odafe Oweh have potential, but after watching edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (9 1/2 sacks in 2023) depart in free agency, the Ravens could still use proven production.
Atlanta Falcons
If the Falcons want to make a push in the NFC South, adding a veteran pass rusher like Judon would help. Atlanta, which signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, should be much-improved on offense. But its defense still has some questions on the edge with 2023 sack leaders Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree (6 1/2 sacks) each departing in free agency.
