Now, the Miami Dolphins completely fortified their defense. They signed outside linebacker Matthew Judon to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. On Monday, the team reached an agreement. This signing addition immensely strengthens the Dolphins’ pass rush attack as Miami prepares for the 2023 NFL season.
Judon, who is 33 years old, has crafted a great career over nine seasons, racking up 72 career sacks. Despite this, he is arguably best known for his stunning reliability, making the Pro Bowl four times in his career. His last two years have been a testament to that success, as he posted 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021. Notably, last year with the Atlanta Falcons, he registered 5.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits, ranking second on the team.
Prior to his stint with the Dolphins, Judon was traded to the Falcons from the New England Patriots. In return, the Patriots got a 2025 third-round pick. His time in Atlanta was defined by unpredictable involvement due to injury and team context. Recently, Judon returned to the field at training camp with the New England Patriots. He had already missed four games in 2023 due to a torn biceps injury and a short absence due to a contract dispute.
In his final seven contests with the Falcons, Judon totaled four sacks. Not bad for a guy who only played in 59% of the team’s defensive snaps. His ability to pressure quarterbacks remained notable, as he was fourth on the team in quarterback pressures during some games.
Judon’s visit to the Dolphins facility on Monday was to negotiate and finalize the move. To that, he said he was cautiously optimistic, which sounds like a positive sign toward finding the right marriage between him and a team.
“We’re visiting for the sake of seeing if there’s a situation that both parties would be able to come into an agreement of, ‘Hey, this is a situation that fits,’” – Matthew Judon
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