Three Suitors and Trade Proposals for Patriots’ Matt Judon
The rebuilding New England Patriots have decided to retain four of their 11 defensive starters this offseason. Jabrill Peppers secured a new contract, Davon Godchaux was re-signed, Kyle Dugger was kept on, and even Christian Barmore, despite dealing with blood clots, received an extension. However, disgruntled pass rusher Matt Judon is still awaiting a new deal, which could potentially be his last significant payday at age 32. The team has yet to make a move on his contract situation, fueling speculation and tension. A recent training camp altercation involving Judon, head coach Jerod Mayo, and general manager Eliot Wolf has further complicated matters. This incident has led many analysts to doubt that Judon will be extended by the Patriots. The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini reported that there was an attempt to re-sign Judon, but the pass rusher dismissed these claims, saying, “No, they haven’t, but it makes me look bad again.” With minimal forward momentum, these three teams should consider inquiring about Judon’s availability.
Chicago Bears Receive: Matt Judon
Patriots Receive: 2024 Fourth-Round Pick
Despite finishing last season allowing the 25th-most passing yards and facing what seemed like an inescapable 0-4 pit, the Chicago Bears defense managed to transform into a top-10 unit during the latter half of the season. At the trade deadline, the Bears made a significant move by exchanging a second-round pick for Commanders pass rusher Montez Sweat, who was subsequently signed to a four-year, $105 million extension. Sweat’s arrival provided an immediate boost, but to elevate the defense to a top-five caliber, general manager Ryan Poles should consider further strengthening the defensive front. General Manager Ryan Poles has been active in making strategic, cost-effective acquisitions, including former All-Pro Kevin Byard to replace the inconsistent and often-injured Eddie Jackson. The Bears have also bolstered their roster with additional depth by signing players like Jonathan Owens and Jacob Martin. However, Chicago made a few notable improvements to the defensive trenches despite finishing 31st in sacks with just 30 total and having only one player reach five sacks.
Enter Matt Judon, a standout pass rusher whose recent season-ending injury aside, possesses the potential to elevate the Bears' defense even further. Judon’s presence could ease the pressure on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams by providing crucial defensive stops, offering the young quarterback shots at redemption more often than not. Moreover, Judon’s eight years of exemplary tape could be invaluable in mentoring defensive end Austin Booker, whom the Bears acquired by trading a 2025 fourth-round pick to move into the fifth round in April’s NFL Draft. Insiders suggest that the trade compensation for Judon could set at an everyday-low price of a Day Three pick, making a fourth-round pick exchange a reasonable proposition. This move would not only bolster the Bears' defense to championship-caliber levels but also ensure that Booker’s development remains on track while providing Judon with a lucrative payday he desperately covets.
Kansas City Chiefs Receive: Matt Judon
Patriots Receive: Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney, 2025 Fifth-Round Pick
The reigning Super Bowl Champions and NFL dynasty, the Kansas City Chiefs, are aiming for their first-ever three-peat. Under the strategic direction of defensive mastermind Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense ranked second in the NFL last season, marking the most effective unit since Andy Reid’s tenure began. Despite leading the league with 57 sacks, the Chiefs faced a setback when defensive end Charles Omenihu tore his ACL in the AFC Championship Game. With Omenihu sidelined, rising star George Karlaftis and recently re-signed Michael Danna are expected to anchor the defensive ends.
However, adding further depth with a Hall of Fame caliber talent could be advantageous. In this hypothetical trade, the Chiefs would acquire Matt Judon from New England in exchange for a Day Three draft pick and the young but inconsistent Kadarius Toney, who has been relatively quiet in Chiefs camp. While Toney’s crash and burn in the NFL might be unappealing to many teams, the receiver talent in New England is in a deep drought. This trade would provide the Chiefs with a significant upgrade on the edge, while the Patriots gain an extra draft pick and a cost-effective young player to aid in their rebuild. Judon would also get a final opportunity to add a championship to his illustrious career, marking a win-win for both parties.
Atlanta Falcons Receive: Matt Judon
Patriots Receive: 2024 Fourth-Round Pick
Each NFL Draft often offers a perplexing gamble that leaves fans, pundits, and stakeholders in deep disarray. This offseason, the Atlanta Falcons were the team to make a particularly bewildering choice. Despite recently signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract, worth $180 million, the Falcons opted to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Much more pressing needs, like edge rusher and now a wide receiver with news of Rondale Moore, were on the table but Atlanta had its sights set on a quarterback succession plan. Atlanta did, however, double down on Washington Huskies by drafting defensive end Bralen Trice in the third round, but they missed out on surefire first-round difference makers with the Penix pick. The Falcons haven’t rostered a double-digit sack defender since Vic Beasley recorded 15.5 sacks in the 2016 season, making the decision to prioritize offense in the first round priority even more puzzling. To make a serious playoff push and win the division for the first time since Barack Obama’s presidency, Atlanta should inquire about Judon’s current contract status. The NFC South is one of the more accessible divisions, and acquiring a borderline tier-one edge rusher could help the Falcons overtake their rivals and justify their top-10 selection of Penix.
