Are Matthew Judon’s days with the New England Patriots numbered?
A new report indicates the Patriots have fielded trade calls on Judon, who’s gone public with his desire for a new contract. Judon, who’ll turn 32 on Thursday, is entering a contract season and his salary won’t become guaranteed until after roster cutdowns.
Multiple Teams Reportedly Interested in Matthew Judon Trade
Here’s the full report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:
“Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the Patriots, per sources,” Fowler wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform. “Judon is due $6.5M in the final year of his deal. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept.”
Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the #Patriots, per sources.
Judon is due $6.5M in the final year of his deal. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept. pic.twitter.com/fEfeNBVxwo
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 12, 2024
Judon’s practice attendance has fluctuated throughout the summer, though he’s participated more often than not. And he’s played well and appeared engaged when on the field.
Along the way, Judon called out the team on social media, held wildly honest press conferences, and at his lowest point, threw a temper tantrum during a practice open to reporters and fans. Patriots coaches, including head coach Jerod Mayo, have insisted that Judon’s been a good soldier, but the optics haven’t been great.
New England still could rework Judon’s contract or give him a long-term extension, but a trade now seems like a realistic possibility. So, what should the Patriots do?
PFN Analysis: Should Patriots Trade Judon?
Well, there isn’t any good answer to this.
The Patriots need Judon on the field if they want to compete in 2024. And that’s even more true now that star defensive tackle Christian Barmore could miss the entire season due to blood clots.
Judon’s on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a torn bicep, but he’s still a premier pass rusher. We’re talking about a four-time Pro Bowler who posted 28 combined sacks in 2021 and 2022 and was on a sack-per-game pace last season before tearing his bicep.
Judon also is an energetic tone-setter for the defense and one of the only Patriots players with real star power.
But he’s become an off-field headache and might be past his prime. The Patriots also have solid edge depth in Anfernee Jennings, Joshua Uche, and breakout candidate Keion White. They’re more equipped to withstand the loss of Judon than Barmore.
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Furthermore, potential contenders needing pass-rushing help — looking at you, Atlanta Falcons — might be willing to offer valuable assets in trades involving Judon. Perhaps, after apparently missing out on Brandon Aiyuk, the Patriots could package Judon and a draft pick for an established receiver.
Ultimately, there are cases for and against trading Judon, who’s arguably the best player on New England’s roster. It all depends on what the Patriots’ priorities are.