The Patriots defense is getting older and the signing of Matthew Judon adds both youth and experience to a productive group.
Former Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon has been a very underrated pass rusher in the NFL, and now he’s joining a defensive genius in Bill Belichick. Judon has signed a four-year, $56 million deal with $32 million guaranteed over the first two years with the New England Patriots, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
This move, combined with the signing of defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, gives life to a Patriots defense that, despite having talent across the board and players returning from an opt-out, is getting up in age and needs fresh blood.
Furthermore, Judon is another name in a free-agent spending spree that is rarely seen from the Patriots as they have also signed tight end Jonnu Smith early in the 2021 NFL free agency tampering period. Given how they finished 7-9 last season and needed new talent on both sides of the ball, this signing makes perfect sense and can help in the long haul.
Matthew Judon now has a chance to establish himself among the league’s better pass rushers.
While in Baltimore, Matthew Judon played well but was never really given the accolades that others at his position received. In 2019 and 2020, he did make the Pro Bowl, and over his five seasons in purple, he recorded 236 tackles and 34.5 sacks, which is nothing to sneeze at.
His potential to get better is high, given how Belichick is a fan of pass rushers. Additionally, while the Patriots are known to have high-strength players, last season was an example of how they lacked speed in certain areas. Judon won’t have that issue, as his speed is such that it will allow him to come off the edge quickly and open the lanes for other Patriot defenders to get home.
Matthew Judon has shown he can play in the NFL and that he can be productive for a defense. Now, he will be under the tutelage of one of the NFL’s most successful coaches and defensive-minded coaches. His ceiling just got higher.