Matthew Judon Joins Bills Practice Squad in Hopes of Sparking Late-Season Revival
Matthew Judon’s NFL journey has taken another turn. Once a cornerstone of the New England Patriots defense, the veteran edge rusher is now on his fourth team in three years, with his latest stop landing him on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. The move comes after Judon cleared waivers following his release from the Miami Dolphins earlier this week.
It’s been a turbulent stretch for Judon since his departure from New England in 2024. After contract talks stalled in the Patriots’ first offseason without Bill Belichick-the same coach and GM who signed him to a $56 million deal in 2021-Judon was traded away, marking the end of a highly productive three-year run in Foxborough. He had been a two-time Pro Bowler with the Patriots, notching 133 tackles, 33 sacks, and 62 quarterback hits in just 38 games.
But since leaving New England, the production hasn’t followed him. He spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he showed flashes of his old self-posting 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and even snagging the first interception of his career.
However, this year with Miami has been a different story. In 13 games, Judon managed just 19 tackles and failed to record a single sack-marking a career-low point for a player who once terrorized quarterbacks on a weekly basis.
Despite the down year, the Bills see potential value in Judon, especially as they gear up for a playoff run. According to reports, Buffalo hosted him for a tryout shortly after he hit free agency, and now he’s officially part of the organization-albeit on the practice squad for now.
At 10-4, the Bills are right in the thick of the AFC playoff race, trailing only the 11-3 Patriots in the division standings. The timing of the move is intriguing.
Buffalo’s defense, while talented, has been inconsistent-particularly against the run. They’re currently allowing 143.1 rushing yards per game, the third-most in the NFL.
That kind of vulnerability could become a serious liability in January football.
Take their Week 15 game against the Patriots, for example. The Bills were down 24-7 at halftime before tightening the screws in the second half, allowing just one touchdown the rest of the way. That second-half effort showed they’re capable of making adjustments-but the overall trend suggests they could use reinforcements, especially in the front seven.
Enter Judon, who, even in a limited role, could offer veteran savvy and situational pass-rush ability. The Bills aren’t just taking a flyer on a name-they’re hoping he can channel some of the disruptive energy that defined his best seasons.
And if history tells us anything, late-season veteran additions can pay off in a big way. Just look at Von Miller’s impact on the Rams in 2021 after a mid-season move from Denver-he helped anchor a defense that powered L.A. to a Super Bowl title.
For Judon, this is an opportunity to reset, contribute, and possibly earn elevation to the 53-man roster. For the Bills, it’s a low-risk move with potential high reward. And with the AFC East still up for grabs-and a potential playoff rubber match with the Patriots looming-this reunion with a former division rival adds another layer of intrigue.
Judon’s days of double-digit sacks might be behind him, but don’t count him out just yet. He’s got experience, pride, and now, a shot at redemption with a contender.