Following Matthew Judon’s revelation that he likely won’t receive a contract extension from the New England Patriots, speculation has arisen about a potential trade involving the former Pro Bowl pass-rusher.
Recently, sportsbooks have started releasing odds on teams interested in acquiring Judon, with the Detroit Lions emerging as one of the frontrunners. According to BetMassachusetts, the Lions have +600 odds, equating to a 14.3% chance, to trade for Judon, placing them behind only the Seattle Seahawks (+500), Atlanta Falcons (+550), and Chicago Bears (+550) in terms of likelihood.
Detroit aimed to bolster its pass rush this offseason to complement burgeoning star Aidan Hutchinson, signing veteran Marcus Davenport. However, concerns surround Davenport due to inconsistent production, injury issues, and a lack of a full-season play throughout his career. Given these factors, the Lions may benefit from exploring additional options before the season commences.
Judon’s recent season saw him record four sacks in four games before a biceps injury prematurely ended his campaign. In the preceding two years, he amassed an impressive 28 sacks, including a career-best 15.5 in 2022.
With the Lions harboring aspirations for a Super Bowl run, pursuing Judon, if available, seems prudent. Moreover, Detroit’s ample cap space positions them well to potentially negotiate an extension with the 31-year-old.
Should a trade for Judon prove unfeasible, the Lions could turn their attention to free agency, where Emmanuel Ogbah stands out as an effective pass-rusher capable of contributing both on the interior and the edge.