Let’s evaluate a trade proposal that would send Matthew Judon to the Lions.
Last season, the Detroit Lions received little production from their edge rushers aside from Aidan Hutchinson. To address this, they have made some offseason moves. However, the effectiveness of these changes depends largely on Marcus Davenport’s ability to stay healthy and CFL star Mathieu Betts’ ability to transition smoothly to the NFL.
Both of these scenarios are uncertain, and with training camp approaching, there are still some notable veteran edge rushers available for signing. Adding a player as a backup due to Davenport’s injury concerns is a possibility.
On the trade front, Matthew Judon might be an option. Judon recently hinted at dissatisfaction with his contract situation with the New England Patriots, and it seems unlikely he will get the new deal he wants. At almost 32 years old and having played only four games last season, Judon isn’t an ideal fit for the Patriots’ rebuilding phase.
If the Patriots make Judon available, the Lions should consider inquiring about him. Judon is from Pontiac, Michigan, and might prefer a move back home. Additionally, the Lions being a strong team would be an attractive factor for him.
Grade the trade proposal: Lions get Matthew Judon to help Aidan Hutchinson
According to NFL analyst Brett Kollman, Hutchinson contributed to 37.4 percent of the Lions’ overall pressures last season. Kollman states that an elite edge rusher typically accounts for 27-30 percent of a team’s pressures.
Judon, who had four sacks in the four games he played last season before tearing his bicep, had 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021. This indicates he still has a lot to offer and could bolster Detroit’s pass rush.
Following Judon’s social media hints about wanting a contract extension from the Patriots, and reports suggesting no agreement is near, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports proposed a trade to bring Judon to the Lions.
Lions receive: Matthew Judon
Patriots receive: 2025 fourth-round and 2025 sixth-round (from the Buccaneers) picks
Acquiring Judon would also involve signing him to a contract extension. Payton suggested a deal similar to the two-year, $27.5 million contract Cameron Jordan got from the Saints last year. This could be structured to be affordable for the Lions.
Considering the initial trade cost and the expense of extending Judon for a couple of years, this proposal seems favorable for the Lions if it can be executed.
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