The door is open in Foxborough for a familiar face - and a proven game-changer - to walk back through it.
Matthew Judon, one of the most productive pass rushers the Patriots have had in recent memory, is back on the open market after clearing waivers Thursday. The Miami Dolphins released the veteran linebacker just a day earlier, ending a short stint that never quite found its rhythm.
Judon’s time in New England was anything but forgettable. During his three seasons with the Patriots, he racked up 32 sacks in 38 games, including a career-best 15.5 in 2022.
He was a Pro Bowl mainstay during that stretch, earning two of his four career selections while wearing a Patriots uniform. Whether it was collapsing pockets, chasing down quarterbacks, or setting the edge in the run game, Judon was a force - and a fan favorite - on a defense that leaned heavily on his motor and leadership.
After a torn biceps limited him for most of the 2023 season, Judon resurfaced this year with the Atlanta Falcons, where he showed flashes of his old self. He notched 5.5 sacks and even snagged the first interception of his career - a pick-six that he returned 27 yards to the house. That kind of impact play is exactly what New England has been missing this season.
Judon’s return to the AFC East via a one-year deal with the Dolphins in August looked promising on paper, but it never clicked. In 13 games with Miami, he failed to register a single sack and managed just three quarterback hits. On Monday night against the Steelers, he played only 23 snaps in a 28-15 loss - a quiet end to a quiet tenure.
Now, with the Patriots sitting on 29 sacks this season and having opted not to add pass-rushing help at the trade deadline, the opportunity is there to bring Judon back into the fold. It’s not just about nostalgia - it’s about need.
New England’s defense has been solid, but it hasn’t had that one dominant edge presence since Judon left. His familiarity with the system, his proven production, and his ability to energize a locker room make him a logical fit for a team still fighting for a playoff spot.
And let’s not overlook the potential drama: if Judon re-signs with the Patriots, he could line up across from his former team in Week 18. A chance for revenge against the Dolphins?
That’s the kind of storyline that writes itself. But before that, there’s a more pressing challenge - a Sunday night showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, Judon’s original NFL home.
A win there, and New England punches its ticket to the postseason.
For a Patriots team looking to make a late-season push, and for a veteran pass rusher with something left to prove, the timing couldn’t be better. The question now: will the reunion happen?