New England Patriots: Could Matt Judon be one of the best FA pickups?

The New England Patriots continue their resurrection, with OLB Matt Judon being a huge part of that. 

The New England Patriots carried on winning in Week 12, as they dominated the Tennessee Titans. A big part of the team’s resurgence this year has been OLB Matt Judon, who they signed in 2021 Free Agency.

Judon was signed from the Baltimore Ravens, who drafted him out of Grand Valley State in 2016. The Patriots, who were on an odd free agency splurge this offseason, gave Judon a four-year, $56 million contract, following two successive Pro-Bowls.

Like every free agent signing, especially ones of this magnitude, they are always met with a lot of trepidation, but so far, the former Raven has been worth that contract.

Through 12 games this season, Judon has 11.5 sacks, 46 total tackles, 22 QB hits and one fumble recovery. He has become a massive part of this defense. Judon is third in the league in sacks, only one behind Maxx Crosby and four behind Myles Garrett.

The New England Patriots have won six straight, with the defense being one of the main reasons for this stretch, and the outside linebackers averaging at least three tackles and one sack a game. The Patriots’ defense has allowed the second-fewest number of points this season so far.

Under Steve Belichick, the Patriots are finding the right mix of when to blitz and when to play man, and it’s come at just the right time, with rookie QB, Mac Jones, finding his feet and allowing him to lean on the defence when he needs to. This team is starting to really move up the rankings.

Judon may not be a fan of mac ‘n cheese, but he is becoming a monster on this defense. It’s starting to look like money well spent for Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick.