MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move by agreeing to a one-year contract with outside linebacker Matthew Judon on Monday, as confirmed by a source to ESPN. This new contract is valued at up to $6 million, according to multiple reports. Judon’s visit to the Dolphins' facility on the same day raised questions about a potential long-term injury affecting one of the team’s leading pass rushers.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that the team's interest in Judon was not directly related to injuries concerning players like Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson, or Bradley Chubb. McDaniel stated, “We’re visiting for the sake of seeing if there’s a situation that both parties would be able to come to an agreement on. It’s about finding a situation that fits.” This indicates that the Dolphins were proactively exploring options rather than reacting to immediate concerns regarding player health.
Judon’s addition to the Dolphins’ roster will bolster an outside linebackers unit that has emerged as a bright spot during training camp. In addition to the established trio of Robinson, Chubb, and Phillips, players like Grayson Murphy and Derrick McLendon have also made significant impressions in the team’s two preseason games. The Dolphins are keenly aware of the importance of depth in their pass rush, especially considering the challenges faced in the past two seasons.
Last season, the Dolphins ranked a concerning 27th in the NFL with just 35 sacks, with notable contributions from Robinson and defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who collectively accounted for 16 of those sacks. The absence of Chubb for the entire 2024 season and Phillips for most of the games further highlighted the need for reliable pass-rushing options.
Matthew Judon, now 33 years old, had a notable season with the Atlanta Falcons, recording 5.5 sacks (second on the team) and nine quarterback hits. This performance came in the aftermath of a torn biceps injury that limited him to just four games in 2023. Before that setback, Judon was recognized as one of the premier pass rushers in the league, with impressive seasons that included 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021, earning him four Pro Bowl selections throughout his career.
During his time with the Falcons, Judon demonstrated resilience by achieving four sacks in his last seven games, despite being on the field for only 59% of the team's defensive snaps. He ranked fourth on the team in quarterback pressures with 29. Judon was acquired by the Falcons last season through a trade with the New England Patriots, which involved a 2025 third-round pick on August 19, 2024. He had been practicing with the Patriots during training camp, following a brief holdout due to a contract dispute.
With Judon’s extensive experience and proven ability to impact games, the Miami Dolphins are positioning themselves to enhance their defensive capabilities in the upcoming season. His signing not only addresses immediate depth concerns but also adds a seasoned player who has consistently performed at a high level throughout his nine-year career, amassing a total of 72 career sacks.