It seems like every day, the New England Patriots are extending contracts for their players, but amidst this trend, Matt Judon has been waiting on the sidelines without a new deal. This situation, coupled with recent social media activity, has raised questions about Judon’s future with the team.
The star pass rusher is in the final year of his four-year, $56 million contract signed in 2021. While he participated in mandatory minicamp, he skipped some voluntary offseason activities. Last year, both sides renegotiated to move money forward, but this time, such a maneuver isn’t an option, likely necessitating an extension for Judon to remain beyond 2023. The question now is whether that extension will materialize.
On Wednesday, Judon responded to a social media post urging the Patriots to meet his contract demands with skepticism, saying, “Ion think that’s about to happen.” Shortly after, he posted a GIF that many interpreted as signaling his departure from the Patriots.
Given the Patriots’ potential non-competitiveness in the upcoming season and Judon’s recovery from a season-ending biceps injury entering his age-32 season, a contract extension may not align with the team’s timeline. Could a trade be in the cards if no extension is agreed upon? If so, several teams could be logical landing spots for the accomplished pass rusher.
Seattle Seahawks emerge as a potential destination due to Judon’s prior tenure with new head coach Mike Macdonald, who coached him in Baltimore where he earned two Pro Bowl nods. Seattle, however, faces a challenge with only $8.4 million in cap space.
Similarly, the Atlanta Falcons have shown interest, but with just $3.4 million in cap space, financial constraints could hinder their pursuit despite their defensive needs to complement a bolstered offense.
The Detroit Lions present an intriguing option with ample cap space ($34.5 million) and a strong desire to build on their league-leading pressure rates from last season. Pairing Judon with Aidan Hutchinson could elevate their defense significantly and boost their chances in the NFC.
A trade involving Judon would not only signal the Patriots’ strategic shift but also impact the NFL landscape significantly, showcasing the Lions’ commitment to contention. For Judon, such a move could offer a realistic shot at a Super Bowl ring while contributing to a team on the rise.
In summary, while uncertainty looms over Judon’s future with the Patriots, his potential departure could reshape defensive dynamics across the league, offering him new opportunities and teams a chance to enhance their defensive prowess ahead of the upcoming season.
