The New England Patriots embraced a rebuild for the first time in decades during the 2024 NFL offseason. They parted ways with long-time head coach Bill Belichick and 2021 first-round pick, quarterback Mac Jones.
New head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf are starting over fresh. They used the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Drake Maye out of North Carolina, hoping he can become their franchise quarterback.
Some patience will have to be exhibited with Maye, as there have been rumblings veteran Jacoby Brissett could start for the team out of the gate. Whatever decision is made, fans know that this will be a multi-year process.
Continuing to upgrade the supporting cast around Maye will be the team’s No. 1 goal. A high draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is likely on the way, but the team could add even more assets by shopping some of their veterans.
One of the veterans who could have a lot of value on the trade market is edge rusher Matt Judon. Already 32 years old, it is unlikely he is part of the New England Patriots’ long-term plans.
As a result, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has suggested the team place Judon on the trading block. Despite a down 2023 because of a biceps injury that cost him all but four games, he is someone that Ballentine believes could have some value around the league.
“This is going to be a multiyear rebuild even if Jerod Mayo and his staff are the right guys for the job. So the likelihood that Matthew Judon, who is going to be 32 when the season starts, will be part of that rebuild is unlikely…
The Eagles were able to turn Haason Reddick into a conditional third-round pick from the New York Jets. If the Pats could get something similar for Judon, it would allow them to save $6.7 million in cap space and stock up on draft capital to build around Maye,” Ballentine wrote.
Judon is still a productive player. He had 4.0 sacks in four games last season and 15.5 the season before. In 38 games with the New England Patriots, he has racked up 32 sacks.
Teams can never have too many edge rushers and a contending squad could be willing to part with a Day 2 pick to land him. But, he will likely be a rental for whoever acquires him as he is set to be a free agent in 2025.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
