Breaking: The Miami Dolphins released veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon today, shaking up the pass rush market and the AFC East. Judon is now an immediate free agent. His next snap could swing a playoff race. And yes, a New England reunion is very real.
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What the move means right now
Judon is one of the most reliable pressure creators of the past decade. He wins with power, timing, and a nasty counter. He also sets a hard edge in the run game. That blend is rare at his position. Teams know exactly what they are buying.
He built his biggest platform in New England. He thrived in a complex front that asked him to rush, drop, and bully tight ends on early downs. He also became a locker room voice there. That matters in a young room that needs an identity.
The Dolphins’ decision opens a lane for a signing that can happen fast. The questions are simple. How healthy is Judon right now, and what is the price?
Judon turns the field with power and discipline, not just speed. That ages better than most edge profiles.
Judon the player, and where he is now
When healthy, Judon stacks pressure. In New England, he posted back-to-back star seasons and forced offenses to slide to him. He wins with heavy hands, inside counters, and a low pad level. He is not a wide-arc speed merchant. He is a closer who finishes plays.
Health is the key variable. He is in his early 30s, and teams will vet his recent availability hard. Smart clubs will manage his snaps to keep him explosive through December. A 45 to 55 snap plan per game can preserve his burst and anchor.
In culture terms, you also get a pro’s pro. Younger defenders watch how Judon works. He teaches by example, and that shows up on Sundays.
Would a Patriots reunion make sense?
Short answer, yes, if the numbers align. The Patriots still play with many of the same front principles that defined the Bill Belichick era. Multiple fronts. Two-gapping on early downs. Line games and simulated pressure on passing downs. Judon lived in that world and thrived. He can stand up on the edge or play with his hand down. He can drop when needed without tipping the coverage.
New England also has room to add a veteran piece without choking future flexibility. The smart structure here is simple:
- One year with a team option for year two
- Lower base, with sack and play-time incentives
- Roster bonus in March to force an early decision
- Per-game bonuses to protect against missed time
That setup pays Judon if he delivers. It limits risk if he does not. It is also the kind of deal New England has used with veterans before.
There is a football fit too. The Patriots need a tone-setter on the edge who can win first down, not just third and long. Judon takes tight ends off the field and forces heavier protection. That unlocks stunts for the interior and frees the second rusher.
Pair Judon with a speed rusher on the other side. Force the back to chip outside, then twist inside for free hitters.
How he stacks up against other options
Plenty of veteran edge players can give you 20 snaps and a long-arm rush. Few can hold up in the run and still close late in games. That is Judon’s edge. If a team only wants third-down juice, they can chase a lighter, cheaper rusher. If a team needs a complete edge who stabilizes the front, Judon is the cleaner solve.
For New England, the choice is stark. Add a specialist and keep rotating. Or bring back a leader who resets the whole room and the game plan. Given the state of the AFC East and the importance of ball control, the complete edge has more value.
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The market and the next 72 hours
Judon should draw quick calls from teams that mix fronts and value physical edges. Medicals will guide everything. Expect workout intensity, strength benchmarks, and flexibility checks to carry weight. Fit will matter as much as dollars. He is not a one-size-fits-all rusher. Put him in a multiple front with clear roles and he will pay off.
If the Patriots want this, they can close it with structure more than raw cash. Familiar staff. Familiar scheme. Defined role. Promise of January snaps. That is powerful.
Bottom line
The Dolphins just put a proven closer back on the market. Matthew Judon changes the math for any defense that needs a grown-up on the edge. A Patriots reunion checks every box, as long as the medicals and the money line up. If New England is serious about winning field position and finishing games, this is the call to make.
