One of the more memorable offseasons in recent memory for the Patriots, besides the present, was in 2021 when Bill Belichick went on a spending spree and signed a long list of quality talent the team had desperately needed. One of the more prominent names that will go down as one of Belichick’s best signings was former Ravens pass rusher Matthew Judon.
Despite some asserting that he was overpaid, Judon went on to become the Patriots’ primary pass rusher and quickly inserted himself into the team’s history books with his production. He was a one-man wrecking ball who finally instilled fear into their opponents, but eventually suffered a season-ending injury, which led to a contract dispute and inevitable trade.
It was a big hit to the Patriots’ defense at the time, and they haven’t been the same since. That should change this year with the return of Christian Barmore, the hopeful third-year breakout of Keion White, and the free agency addition of Milton Williams. There was a chance Judon could have been considered for a return, but he is now listed as a possible signing for an AFC East rival after a short stint with the Falcons.
Matthew Judon could return to the AFC East, but not in the way Patriots fans would hope
Because he remains a free agent heading into OTAs, there’s a good chance that Judon will be signed sooner rather than later. Although his lone season with Atlanta was far from the kind of production he had while in New England, he still managed to record 5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, an interception returned for a touchdown, and 41 combined tackles.
There’s a good chance that a team needing a veteran pass rusher, even depth at the position, could consider Judon a viable candidate. Patrick McAvoy of the Jets on SI believes the Patriots’ longtime rival should take the risk and sign him this offseason.
“New York currently has just over $25 million left in cap space. That’s plenty of cash to make another high-impact move. Although the Jets have been getting significantly younger, there are some guys out there over 30 years old worth taking a look at. The pass rush still could use a boost and former Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matthew Judon is available for the taking.”
Considering the long history of the Patriots with the Jets, it wouldn’t be ideal to see their former star defender suited up in the green and white. It also would make for a less-than-fun time for Drake Maye to play against them twice a year if he had to evade Judon.
He’s certainly not the same player he once was, or he didn’t appear to be throughout the 2024 season, so that could play in the Patriots’ favor. However, now that he’s nearly two years removed from his injury and determined to continue playing, it’s not unfair to believe Judon could come back better than ever and be a force to deal with, something the Patriots won’t want for their offensive line.
Regardless of whether he winds up in New York or not, there’s a good chance Judon could sign with a team the Patriots have to face this upcoming season anyway. While that wouldn’t be ideal, it would be far worse if it were in the same division, so let’s hope the Jets will continue to Jet and that won’t happen.