The Miami Dolphins were looking for some reinforcements for their pass rush and that’s exactly what they got on Aug. 18.
Following a successful visit, Matthew Judon is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Dolphins, according to reports.
The four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher is set to join a group that already includes Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson. While Chubb missed the 2024 season with a knee injury, Phillips is also coming off a shortened 2024 thanks to a torn ACL.
Signing Judon provides some much-needed depth and some insurance for the players just returning from injury.
Miami’s defense has undergone somewhat of a remodel this offseason, especially after the trading of Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a reunion with Minkah Fitzpatrick.
It was clear that the depth of the Dolphins’ defense needed to be addressed, which they attempted to do by drafting Kenneth Grant in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Judon will only help solidify that. The nine-year veteran brings a wealth of experience from his days with the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
The 33-year-old hasn’t been the same player since a torn biceps ended his 2023 season prematurely. Prior to that, Judon was coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 12 1/2 sacks to begin his time in New England.
Judon was traded to the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season, with the hopes that he could bolster Atlanta’s rush. The Falcons instead struggled to generate pressure all season long, finishing with the second-fewest sacks in the league.
Now on his fourth team, Judon won’t have to worry about being the focal point of the Dolphins’ pass rush and instead focus on recapturing the magic.