The Miami Dolphins made a series of roster moves this week, headlined by the release of veteran outside linebacker Matt Judon. In a corresponding move, the team signed linebacker Jackson Woodard off the Houston Texans’ practice squad, giving the defense a fresh face as the regular season winds down.
Judon, 33, brought a wealth of experience to Miami after a career that began with the Ravens back in 2016. A fifth-round pick who quickly outplayed his draft position, Judon carved out a reputation as a disruptive edge presence in Baltimore. After finishing out his rookie deal, he was franchise-tagged before eventually landing a four-year, $56 million contract with the Patriots-a move that solidified him as one of the league’s premier pass rushers at the time.
His journey took another turn in 2024 when he was dealt to the Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. Fast forward to this past August, and Judon found himself in South Florida on a one-year deal with the Dolphins, looking to add veteran leadership and situational pass-rushing depth to a defense that had high expectations.
But Judon’s 2025 campaign didn’t quite match the impact he’s had in previous seasons. In 13 games, he registered 19 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, and managed just one pass deflection.
Most notably, he didn’t record a single sack-a surprising stat line for a player known for his ability to get after the quarterback. Whether it was age, scheme fit, or simply a tough year, the production wasn’t there, and the Dolphins decided to move on.
In his place, Miami is taking a look at Jackson Woodard, a young linebacker who’s been developing on Houston’s practice squad. While he’s still unproven at the NFL level, the Dolphins clearly see enough upside to bring him into the fold and give him a shot on the active roster. This kind of late-season addition often signals a team looking to evaluate younger talent ahead of the offseason.
The Dolphins also made a couple of practice squad adjustments, re-signing outside linebacker Andre Carter II and releasing tight end Tanner Conner. Carter, who has bounced between active rosters and practice squads during his young career, gets another opportunity to stay in the mix and continue his development within Miami’s system.
These moves, while not seismic, are part of the constant roster churn that defines the back end of the NFL season. For Judon, it’s a pause in what’s been a strong career, and for players like Woodard and Carter, it’s a chance to prove they belong. As the Dolphins continue their playoff push-or begin looking toward 2026-these decisions could help shape the next phase of their defensive identity.