The Miami Dolphins are moving on from veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon, placing him on waivers and setting the stage for a possible late-season landing with a contender. While Judon hasn’t made much noise in 2025 after a short stint in Atlanta last year, his track record as a disruptive edge presence still holds weight-especially for playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their pass rush.
At 33, Judon may not be the same relentless force who once terrorized quarterbacks in New England and Baltimore, but for teams eyeing a deep postseason run, he offers something that’s hard to teach: experience, savvy, and a knack for timely pressure. Let’s take a look at five teams that could benefit from a late-season addition like Judon.
Baltimore Ravens
A reunion in Baltimore wouldn’t just be nostalgic-it could be practical.
The Ravens are firmly in the AFC playoff mix, and Judon knows the system and culture. He spent the first five years of his career in purple and black, racking up consistent sack numbers and proving he could be a tone-setter on defense.
If Baltimore’s front office is looking to bolster its pass-rush rotation without shaking up the locker room chemistry, Judon could be a seamless plug-in. Familiarity matters this late in the season.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is firmly in win-now mode, and their defense has been rounding into form at just the right time.
But in the playoffs, depth on the edge is gold. Judon wouldn’t need to carry the load-he’d simply need to give them 15-20 quality snaps a game, especially on third downs and obvious passing situations.
He brings veteran instincts and playoff experience, two things that could prove valuable in January football. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this is the kind of low-risk move that could pay off when it matters most.
Chicago Bears
Don’t sleep on the Bears.
They’re in the thick of the NFC North race and have been aggressive in reshaping their defense over the past two seasons. Chicago reportedly tried to trade for Judon back in 2024 when he was with New England, so there may still be interest.
At this stage, Judon would likely slot in as a depth piece, but with his resume, he could also serve as a mentor for the younger pass-rushers while giving the Bears a situational weapon down the stretch.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are battling to stay afloat in a tight NFC North race, and adding a veteran like Judon could help stabilize a defense that’s been inconsistent at times.
Detroit’s pass rush has leaned heavily on its young core, but a seasoned vet who’s been through playoff wars could help elevate the group. Judon’s physical style and no-nonsense approach would fit right in with Dan Campbell’s culture, and even if he’s not a full-time starter, his presence could give Detroit’s defense a bit more bite.
Green Bay Packers
With star linebacker Micah Parsons sidelined, the Packers are suddenly thin on the edge.
While Judon isn’t a one-for-one replacement-few players are-he could give Green Bay something they desperately need: a spark. The Packers are still in the playoff picture, and Judon’s ability to create pressure in key moments might be just enough to help them weather the storm.
He’s not going to be the centerpiece, but he might be the difference in a tight December game.
At this point in his career, Judon isn’t a long-term fix-but he doesn’t need to be. He’s a proven veteran who can still bring value in the right role. For a contender looking to add a little edge-literally and figuratively-he’s worth a serious look.