This Ravens-Patriots trade for Matt Judon could bring stud DE back to Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens need some pass rush help, as the extension handed out to Justin Madubuike was counteracted by the loss of Jadeveon Clowney and continued inability to sign Kyle Van Noy to a new contract has leveled their overall pass rush skill. If the Ravens want to make a trade, Matt Judon could be a reasonable target.

Judon has lived up to the hype after signing a big contract with the New England Patriots in free agency. However, with Bill Belichick out of the picture and new coach Jerod Mayo leading a rebuilding effort, the Pats might look to move off an expensive veteran for some picks.

The Ravens have enough draft picks to take a risk on a player like Judon via a trade, as they need to maximize their chances of finally slipping a ring on their proverbial fingers before their Super Bowl window slams shut as Lamar Jackson hits the back end of his prime.

With a more dynamic, younger pass rusher in Haason Reddick being traded to the Jets for just a third-round pick, the Ravens might be able to reunite with their former Day 3 gem without giving up an arm and a leg to acquire him.

This Ravens-Patriots trade could send Matt Judon to Baltimore

Judon is 32 years old, an impending free agent after the season, and fresh off an injury that limited him to just four games. All of this will drag down his value, and a rebuilding Patriots team might be more interested in a few extra lottery ticket draft picks than what will likely be one more year.

Judon was a force during his first two seasons in New England, amassing 29.5 sacks and finishing ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024. Even if that form never returns, Judon's two-way playmaking and constant disrupting will be a welcome sight for a thin Baltimore pass rush.

Judon has his money thanks to the big Patriots contract, so a championship might be on his mind. The Ravens could slot him into the same role that helped Jadeveon Clowney go from an afterthought depth signing to a key starter who signed a substantial two-year contract with the Panthers.

Rather than spending some of their limited draft capital on a young pass rusher or banking on Kyle Van Noy to replicate his tremendous season, the Ravens can add an experienced pass rusher who is familiar with the Baltimore coaching staff. A Judon bounce-back year would do wonders for this defense.