The Baltimore Ravens are in dire need of a pass rusher after Jadeveon Clowney joined the Carolina Panthers and Kyle Van Noy keeps twiddling his thumbs on the free agent market. While unlikely, a trade for ex-Ravens Pro Bowl pass rusher Matt Judon could be one way to instantly give this group the edge it needs.
While Judon is a free agent at the end of this season and is fresh off an injury that limited him to just four games, he is still more than capable of being a starting end in 2024. With the New England Patriots moving towards a rebuild under head coach Jerod Mayo, Judon might be eyeing a championship in a shorter timeframe.
Judon demanding a trade would have surprised no one, given the direction of the Patriots. However, his latest quotes were disheartening for the Ravens and anyone else interested in snatching him up via a trade. Judon seems to be gearing up for another year as an elder statesman on a young team.
“I think with the contract stuff, if it happens it happens," Judon said, via Mike Kadlick. “If we can get a new contract worked out to where I try to end my career in Boston, that’d be great.” Judon ending his career in Baltimore would have been a fairytale, but it doesn't appear to be on his mind at this moment in time.
Matthew Judon had quite an offseason for himself — not only recovering from in-season surgery, but also opening a new restaurant.
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) April 2, 2024
I spoke with the #Patriots LB about his new venture, his health, and what he expects from NE’s defense in ‘24.
✍🏼For @WEEI: https://t.co/lbjq7BqNRg
Matt Judon shoots down rumors of Baltimore Ravens reunion
Judon, who recorded four sacks in four games last year, has tallied 32 sacks in 38 games with the Patriots after leaving the Ravens as a free agent, making two Pro Bowl teams in that span. Even at his age, Judon remains an extremely effective pass rusher who should have no trouble piling up the sacks.
The worst part about Judon saying he wants to stay in New England is the fact Baltimore could have snatched him up without paying a premium price. Judon will turn 32 before the season starts, which could help the Ravens acquire him for just a Day 3 pick. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
With Haason Reddick officially traded to the New York Jets and Josh Sweat agreeing to a reworked deal, the market for impactful veteran pass rushers is continuing to shrink. The Ravens might need to invest in a free agent rusher like Mike Danna or Yannick Ngakoue if they don't get Judon.