The Buffalo Bills are making a late-season move that could add some veteran punch to their defense. According to reports, the team plans to sign outside linebacker Matt Judon to the practice squad on Friday after hosting him for a visit.
Now, this isn’t just any depth signing. Judon brings with him a résumé that includes Pro Bowl nods, playoff experience, and a reputation as one of the more disruptive edge rushers of the past decade. At 33, he’s certainly on the back nine of his career, but there’s still value in what he brings - especially for a Bills team eyeing a deep playoff run and looking to fortify its pass rush.
Judon was originally a fifth-round pick by the Ravens back in 2016, and he quickly outplayed that draft slot. He developed into a cornerstone of Baltimore’s defense, playing out his rookie deal before being hit with the franchise tag. After that, he cashed in - signing a four-year, $56 million deal with the Patriots, where he continued to wreak havoc off the edge.
That deal was set to expire after the 2024 season, but before he could finish it out in New England, he was traded to the Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. Atlanta hoped he’d bolster their front seven, but the fit didn’t stick. Fast forward to August, and Judon was picked up by the Dolphins on a one-year deal, looking to bounce back and prove he still had juice left in the tank.
His 2025 stint in Miami was quiet, though. Judon appeared in 13 games but logged just 19 total tackles, one tackle for loss, no sacks, and a single pass deflection.
Not exactly the stat line we’re used to seeing from him. Whether it was scheme, usage, or simply a step lost to age, the production wasn’t there - and earlier this week, the Dolphins waived him.
Still, the Bills see something worth exploring. And it makes sense.
Even if Judon isn’t the dominant force he once was, he brings experience, leadership, and a deep knowledge of AFC offenses. Signing him to the practice squad gives Buffalo a low-risk look at a high-upside veteran - someone who’s been through playoff battles and knows what it takes to win in January.
At this point in the season, it’s all about adding pieces that can help in situational roles or in case of injury. If Judon can show flashes of his old self, even in limited snaps, he could be a valuable chess piece down the stretch. And for a team like Buffalo, which has had its share of injuries on defense, every bit of depth matters.
We’ll see how this one plays out, but don’t be surprised if Judon finds his way to the active roster before the postseason kicks off. Veteran edge rushers with playoff experience don’t grow on trees - and the Bills might’ve just added one for the stretch run.