The New England Patriots and star edge rusher Matthew Judon are at a crossroads. With Judon holding out for a new contract and the Patriots potentially rebuilding, a trade could benefit both sides. Should Bill Belichick pull the trigger?
Matthew Judon talking with Patriots coach Jerod Mayo
Judon’s holdout stems from his desire for a contract extension. He has one year remaining on his current deal and is seeking long-term security. However, the Patriots’ current situation makes a new contract for the aging star less likely.
A Rebuilding Team and an Aging Star
The Patriots are seemingly in a transition phase. While they aren’t explicitly tanking, they are clearly not all-in on competing for a Super Bowl this year. Judon, turning 32, doesn’t fit the timeline of a rebuilding team. His value is arguably higher to a contender looking for a proven pass rusher.
Trading Judon would allow the Patriots to acquire valuable draft capital, accelerating their rebuild. For Judon, a trade would offer the opportunity to join a contender and potentially compete for a championship.
Judon’s Value and Potential Trade Partners
Despite his age and recent injury history (a torn bicep limited him to four games last season), Judon remains a highly talented pass rusher. His back-to-back seasons with 12.5 and 15.5 sacks in 2021 and 2022 respectively, demonstrate his elite pass-rushing abilities.
Potential trade partners could include teams with Super Bowl aspirations and a need for a proven edge rusher. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or the Philadelphia Eagles could all be interested in acquiring Judon’s services.
The Risk of Waiting
The Patriots could gamble and wait until the midseason trade deadline to move Judon. The hope would be that a healthy and productive Judon would increase his trade value. However, this strategy carries significant risk. Another injury or a decline in performance could drastically diminish his value.
Furthermore, waiting until the trade deadline might limit the potential return. Teams are often more desperate at the deadline, but they are also less willing to part with premium draft picks for a rental player.
Conclusion: A Trade Benefits Both Sides
Trading Matthew Judon now appears to be the most logical move for the New England Patriots. It allows them to capitalize on his current value, acquire draft picks, and continue their rebuild. For Judon, a trade provides the opportunity to join a winning team and chase a Super Bowl ring. While waiting until the trade deadline is a possibility, the risks likely outweigh the potential rewards. The Patriots should explore trade options now and secure the best possible return for their star pass rusher.
