Rumors about a potential trade involving New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon have been circulating for months. As speculation grows, bookmakers believe the Chicago Bears are among the leading contenders to acquire Judon.
According to Bet Massachusetts, the Seattle Seahawks are the frontrunners with a 16.7% chance (+500 odds) of trading for Judon. They are followed closely by the Atlanta Falcons and the Bears, both with a 15.4% chance (+550 odds).
The Bears are looking to strengthen their pass rush, currently led by Montez Sweat. Their defensive ends lineup includes Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Jacob Martin, Dominique Robinson, and Austin Booker.
Acquiring a player like Judon to complement Sweat on the opposite edge would significantly enhance the Bears’ defensive front. However, whether Bears GM Ryan Poles will pursue this trade depends on several factors.
Are Patriots Willing to Trade Their Best Defensive Player?
In an April interview with 93.7 WEEI, Judon expressed his desire to negotiate a deal with the Patriots. “If it happens, it happens,” Judon said regarding the contract negotiations, adding, “If we can work out a new contract so I can end my career in Boston, that would be great.”
However, since that interview, negotiations have stalled, and the two sides seem far from reaching an agreement. According to Henry McKenna of Fox Sports, who posted on X on July 9, “Matthew Judon has requested a new contract, and the Patriots have made an offer, but they are not close to finalizing a deal.”
Judon hasn’t done much to quell trade rumors, especially after posting an ambiguous gif on X on July 3. Given that the Patriots are not in a position to compete for a championship, they might be more inclined to trade Judon, who is in the final year of his four-year, $55 million contract.
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 3, 2024
Bet Massachusetts indicates that the chances of Judon remaining with New England are quite low, with the Patriots listed at +1450 to keep him in 2024.
Would Chicago Bears Be Willing to Trade for Patriots Edge Matthew Judon?
That’s the pivotal question. If the experienced defensive end is in good health, it’s definitely within the realm of possibility.
Judon is recovering from a major injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. He tore his right biceps during New England’s game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 1. A four-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022, Judon will turn 32 in August, making his health a significant concern. His age might also be a factor.
Last year, Judon played in four games, participating in 94 pass rush snaps. He recorded 16 total pressures, including 4.0 sacks, 7 hurries, and 5 QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus. In his impressive 2022 All-Pro season, he achieved a career-high of 15.5 sacks, along with 28 QB hits, 14 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
While Judon has an outstanding track record, his age and salary expectations could complicate a potential trade with Chicago. With a 2024 salary of only $6.5 million, he will likely seek a higher annual deal in the future. Poles might be open to negotiations, but Judon needs to be in top shape for any deal to proceed.
Chris Emma of 670 The Score reported in June that the Bears were still considering re-signing Yannick Ngakoue, who played with the team in 2023. With training camp approaching (rookies report on July 16), expect potential moves within the next few weeks—if the Bears decide to act.
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