As the Chicago Bears push through the final stretch of the season, GM Ryan Poles still has the flexibility to tinker with the roster. This is the time of year when some veterans hit the open market-often after being released by teams out of playoff contention-giving contenders a shot to add some experience for the stretch run.
One of the latest names to become available? Matt Judon.
The veteran edge rusher was recently released by the Miami Dolphins, making him a free agent once again. Bears fans might remember that Chicago reportedly tried to trade for Judon back in August when he was still with the Patriots.
That deal didn’t materialize-and in hindsight, that may have been a blessing.
Because Judon, quite frankly, hasn’t looked like the same player this season.
Let’s talk numbers. In Miami, Judon has seen the field for 41% of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps across 13 games.
That adds up to 337 snaps. And in that time?
He’s registered just seven pressures, according to Pro Football Reference. If you go by Pro Football Focus, that number climbs slightly to 10.
Either way, it’s a far cry from the disruptive force he once was.
And sacks? He hasn’t recorded a single one all season.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player whose calling card has always been his ability to get after the quarterback. Judon’s lack of production makes it hard to justify a roster spot, let alone a meaningful role in a defense that’s already starting to find its rhythm.
Yes, the Bears did lose Dayo Odeyingbo for the season-a hit to their depth up front. But bringing in Judon at this point would be more of a name recognition move than a performance-based one.
And that’s not how Poles has operated. Chicago has leaned into youth and development, particularly on the defensive line, and that approach is starting to pay off.
Look no further than rookie Austin Booker. In just seven games, Booker has logged nearly as many snaps as Judon and has made his presence felt.
Three sacks, 19 pressures, and a forced fumble-those are the kind of impact plays you want from your rotational edge guys. He’s flashed the kind of upside that makes you think the Bears might have something real in him.
And that’s the thing-signing Judon wouldn’t just be about adding depth. A veteran of his stature isn’t coming in to sit.
He’d expect to play. That would mean taking snaps away from younger players like Booker, who are not only producing but developing in real time.
There’s also the matter of performance. Judon’s pass rush grade this season sits at 47.7, per PFF.
That’s not the kind of number that inspires confidence for a team trying to build momentum down the stretch. The Bears don’t need a stopgap.
They need players who can contribute now and grow into bigger roles in the future.
So while Judon’s name might draw attention, the fit just isn’t there. Chicago’s better off staying the course-riding with its young talent, building continuity, and focusing on the long-term vision. There’s no need to force a move that doesn’t move the needle.
The message from Halas Hall should be clear: thanks, but we’re good.