The 49ers are turning to a proven veteran as injuries continue to thin out their defensive front. Matt Judon is set to join San Francisco after a workout with the team on Saturday, according to an interview he did with All32’s Arabia Tillery.
Judon said the move should become official Monday, though it’s still not clear whether he’ll land on the practice squad or the 53-man roster.
His explanation for the fit was straightforward: the 49ers need help, and he believes he can provide it right away.
"With all of the injuries piling up over there I think I can just come in and help until some of those guys get back," Judon said. "I know the D-line coach.
I know him well. He's a great D-line coach."
San Francisco entered Week 3 missing multiple defensive linemen on both the edge and the interior. Romello Height and Nick Bosa were both out Sunday at defensive end, while defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. also sat. Height could return in Week 4, but the others are expected to miss multiple weeks.
That left the 49ers short-handed in Sunday’s game, and the pass rush had trouble consistently getting after Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Judon now has a chance to step into that mix and carve out a role quickly.
His familiarity with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could also make the transition smoother. Morris was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons when Judon was there in 2024, and Judon pointed to that relationship as a reason he expects to settle in fast.
"(Raheem) is a big ol' kid," Judon said. "And he loves the game of football and he knows a lot about it.
I feel that we didn't get a long enough tenure together, or stint together. And so, just his energy and his love and passion for the game."
Judon’s most productive recent season came under Morris in 2024, when he posted 5.5 sacks in 17 games. Last season, he played 14 games for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills and did not record a sack.
Over 10 seasons, Judon has appeared in 145 games with 100 starts. He has 72 sacks and 95 tackles for loss in his career, and he could become a key piece for a depleted San Francisco front while the team waits for injured linemen to return.
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