New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon has just one year left on his deal, and typically, veteran players threaten to hold out of camp when a new pact has not been reached.
However, Judon will not be engaging in that practice.
The star defender arrived for the first day of Patriots mandatory minicamp on Monday, putting his contract issues behind him.
Judon is slated to earn $6.5 million in base salary in 2024 but carries a $14.7 million cap hit.
The 32-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors due to the fact that New England is a rebuilding ballclub, but he hasn’t publicly asked to be dealt.
Based on how happy he looks arriving at camp, it doesn’t look like he wants to move, either.
However, would it be in the best interest of both sides to explore a trade?
The Patriots Should Consider Trading Matthew Judon
Here is the thing: the Pats are obviously not going to win this coming season. As a matter of fact, they may very well be one of the worst teams in football.
Taking that into consideration, it may serve the Patriots well to try and move Judon now while he still holds significant value.
Judon played in just four games last season due to a torn biceps, but when he was on the field, he was productive, logging 13 tackles and four sacks.
Plus, the Grand Valley State product is just two years removed from racking up 15.5 sacks, which established a career high for him..
Judon was originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and spent the first five years of his career with the Ravens.
He developed into a terrific player in Baltimore, posting 61 tackles and eight sacks as soon as his sophomore campaign. Judon made the Pro Bowl in each of his final two seasons with the Ravens, with his best year coming in 2019 when he rattled off 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Judon then really broke out in New England in 2021, registering 60 tackles and 12.5 sacks before having the best season of his career the following year.
The Pats had one of the league’s best defenses in 2023 and should have an elite unit on that side of the ball again this coming season. Judon’s presence for a full season would definitely bolster the Patriots’ ceiling on the defensive end, but again, trading him may be the best course of action.
Not only would New England secure some draft capital for Judon instead of potentially losing him in free agency, but Judon would then get the opportunity to play for a contender.
Right now, though, it appears that Judon feels just fine in Foxborough.
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