Star edge rusher Matthew Judon is skipping workouts after the first day of OTA’s and could seek a trade this offseason. According to a report, The Grand Valley State product is not participating in voluntary workouts. Head Coach Jerod Mayo said Judon has been in and out throughout the offseason and it was the same approach last year. There hasn’t been any sign of Judon anticipating missing mandatory training this summer.
However, things can change in that direction, and if he misses any mandatory time, he could seek a trade. Judon did some limited work last summer before signing a revised deal with the Patriots. This could be the time for the edge rusher to consider an agreement that keeps him on the team for a long time. However, he wants to stay in New England and get a deal that keeps him there for the rest of his career.
The Grand Valley State product quickly established himself as one of the league’s top pass-rushers. After starting his career in Baltimore, he’s been able to sign a four-year deal in 2021. He has been able to notch 133 tackles, 33 for a loss, 32 sacks and 62 quarterback hits. The 31-year-old has been selected to the Pro Bowl in two of his three seasons with the Patriots.
However, the organization may be hesitant to give him an extension considering the track record of his injuries. Judon is coming off from a season-ending injury so they may be thinking. The Patriots still share a mutual interest with the veteran edge rusher on an extension. It’s a close one to watch as mandatory camp begins next month.
Star Edge Rusher Matthew Judon Skipping Workouts, Could Seek Trade
Reports Suggest a Trade Should Happen
Judon turns 32 years old before the regular season starts and only has one year left on his deal. According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, the veteran may be better off playing with a playoff at this stage in his career. It’s questionable that he wants to be rebuilding with the Patriots considering he should instead be ring chasing. It may make sense for New England to give more reps to Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.
Judon is coming off a torn bicep but he did have four sacks in the games when healthy last season. He still provides an upside to a team’s defense when he can maintain his health. However, one report is suggesting that the Chiefs should sign Judon to get some edge help. A Judon trade to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense could make them scarier. Chris Jones is coming back on a mega extension deal after being a dynamic player last season.
Judon’s addition could give Kansas City another consecutive Super Bowl so it may be exactly who they want. However, they have $16.1 million available in cap space so the trade is still possible. Here are some other possible trade destinations for Judon.
Possible Trade Destinations
The Ravens are another superpower team that could use someone like Judon. After re-signing Kyle Van Noy and the third-round pick on Adisa Isaac, they don’t really need an edge rusher. However, it shouldn’t be off the table considering they’re never shy about stockpiling at the position. A reunion could be on the cards and that should be something Judon wouldn’t avoid.
However, the Saints seem to be a team that could use some veteran insurance. They were able to draft linebacker Jaylan Ford but extra help wouldn’t hurt. New Orleans needs all the pieces of the puzzle to avoid Derek Carr stepping on the field for extra reps. One more trade splash that could happen if Judon could team up with Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina.
Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace aren’t reliable depth so adding more bonafide edge rushers would be sufficient.
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