Could the Patriots Bring Back Matt Judon for the Stretch Run? It Might Just Make Sense
The New England Patriots have been one of the surprise stories of the NFL season. Sitting at 11-3 with control of the AFC East and a shot at the No. 1 seed in the conference, this team has come a long way from where it was just a year ago. Credit goes to head coach Mike Vrabel and executive Eliot Wolf, who nailed the offseason with a series of bold, calculated moves that have paid off in a big way.
From the jump, the additions of Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane looked like difference-makers. And that’s exactly what they’ve been.
Even K’Lavon Chaisson, a player many had written off, has found new life in this system and carved out a valuable role. The roster is deep, talented, and built for playoff football.
But as every NFL team knows, talent alone doesn’t carry you through December - depth does. And that’s where things get interesting.
Injuries have started to chip away at New England’s momentum. Antonio Gibson went down first, followed by Milton Williams - the $104 million man and a major force up front.
Then it was rookie tackle Will Campbell. And now, there's concern around linebacker Robert Spillane.
None of these are season-enders yet, but they’re the kind of setbacks that can test a team’s resolve - and its roster.
Enter Matt Judon.
According to reports, the Miami Dolphins are releasing the veteran edge rusher - and yes, that’s the same Matt Judon who racked up 32 sacks and earned two Pro Bowl nods during his 38-game run in New England. He was a cornerstone of Bill Belichick’s defense in the later years of the legendary coach’s tenure. Now, with Judon hitting waivers, the Patriots have a rare opportunity to reunite with a player who knows the system, knows the culture, and can still get after the quarterback.
Of course, Judon will have to clear waivers first, and there’s no shortage of playoff-bound teams that could use a proven pass rusher. But if he becomes a free agent, New England would be wise to at least make the call.
This wouldn’t be a desperation move - far from it. The Patriots have been getting strong production from Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson off the edge, and Elijah Ponder has stepped up admirably in Williams’ absence.
But Judon brings something different: experience, leadership, and a proven ability to wreck games. He’d likely slot in ahead of Caleb Farmer, who hasn’t seen much action this year, and give the defense another weapon heading into the most important stretch of the season.
Financially, it’s a low-risk move. Judon wouldn’t command a hefty contract at this point in the year, and the Patriots have the cap flexibility to make it work.
More importantly, it could be a fitting second act for a player who gave a lot to this franchise - and who missed out on the last Patriots dynasty by just a few years. Now, he might have a chance to be part of something new.
With Will Campbell sidelined and some uncertainty at linebacker, the Patriots don’t need Judon. But in a league where depth can make or break a playoff run, bringing back a familiar face with a proven track record could be a smart insurance policy - especially if Milton Williams’ recovery timeline gets murky.
This team is already built to contend. Adding Judon could help ensure they stay that way.