Detroit Lions Set to Pursue Veteran Pass Rusher Matthew Judon with Potential $4M Deal to Bolster Defense and Deepen Pass Rush
In the fast-paced world of the NFL offseason, few developments generate as much excitement as a potential move to bolster a team’s defense, especially when it involves a veteran player who has already proven himself as one of the league’s premier talents. For the Detroit Lions, a team in the midst of an ambitious rebuild and eager to return to relevance, the news that they are pursuing veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon signals a potentially crucial shift in their defensive strategy. With rumors swirling that the Lions are set to offer a one-year, $4 million deal to Judon, the move could go a long way toward improving one of the team’s most pressing weaknesses—its pass rush.
After several seasons of mediocrity and underperformance, the Lions are poised to make a major push for playoff contention in 2023. Their offense has shown promise, with Jared Goff taking charge under center and key weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift rounding out an exciting attack. However, to compete in the NFC, the Lions need to fix their most glaring issue: a defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If Detroit can land a player like Judon, it could be the game-changer they desperately need.
Who Is Matthew Judon?
Before diving into the specifics of the potential deal and how it would impact the Lions, it’s important to understand who Matthew Judon is as a player. A former fifth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, Judon quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s top pass rushers. Over the course of his seven-year career, he has accumulated over 60 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most consistent edge rushers in the NFL.
Judon’s playing style is built around his explosive first step, elite hand technique, and relentless motor. He has the ability to disrupt quarterbacks, set the edge against the run, and provide a dynamic presence in the defensive front. His best seasons came with the Ravens, where he consistently produced double-digit sack totals. In 2020, he registered a career-high 12 sacks, proving that he could be a game-changer for a defense in need of an edge rusher capable of providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In 2021, Judon signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the New England Patriots, where he continued his dominant ways. In his first season with the Patriots, he tallied 12.5 sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and helping the defense to become one of the stingiest in the league. His presence was a key factor in the Patriots’ defensive success, as he brought consistency and leadership to a unit that was otherwise in flux.
Judon’s blend of experience, leadership, and proven production is exactly what the Lions need to bolster their pass rush. With the Patriots moving in a different direction, the prospect of Judon joining a rebuilding Lions squad represents a tremendous opportunity to inject some star power into their defense.
The Detroit Lions’ Defensive Needs
While the Lions have shown significant improvements in recent seasons under head coach Dan Campbell, one of the most glaring issues has been their inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. In 2022, the Lions finished 27th in the NFL in sacks, recording just 38 as a team. For comparison, the San Francisco 49ers, widely regarded as having one of the most complete and dominant defenses in the league, posted 44 sacks. The lack of a consistent pass rush has been a major factor in the Lions’ inability to stay competitive in games, as they were often forced to play from behind due to opposing offenses being given too much time in the pocket.
In addition to struggling to pressure the quarterback, the Lions’ defensive line has been inconsistent in stopping the run, and their linebacker corps has lacked a dynamic playmaker who can disrupt both the pass and the run game. While the Lions’ secondary, led by young cornerbacks like Jeff Okudah, has shown promise, their pass rush has often failed to capitalize on coverage opportunities.
The addition of a player like Judon would immediately address a critical need for the Lions. With Judon on the edge, the Lions would be able to create more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force quicker throws, which would allow their secondary to capitalize on mistakes. Moreover, his ability to set the edge in the run game would help shore up one of the Lions’ most significant defensive weaknesses, as they allowed 4.8 yards per carry in 2022, ranking 28th in the league.
By adding Judon to their defensive front, the Lions could begin to look like a much more balanced and complete team, both in terms of stopping the pass and defending the run. This would not only increase their chances of competing within the NFC North but also help them secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.
What Matthew Judon Brings to the Table
Judon’s potential fit with the Lions goes beyond just his pass-rushing abilities. In addition to his 60-plus career sacks, Judon is known for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to perform in big moments. These intangibles are crucial for a Lions defense that has struggled with consistency in recent years. His presence in the locker room would provide an experienced voice for a relatively young group of defensive players, which includes promising talents like Hutchinson, Okudah, and Levi Onwuzurike.
Judon’s versatility is also a key factor that makes him an ideal fit for the Lions. While he is primarily known as an edge rusher, Judon has the ability to stand up and rush from different alignments in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. This adaptability would allow Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to get creative with how they use Judon, giving the team the flexibility to move him around based on the opponent and game plan.
Additionally, Judon’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level makes him an attractive target for the Lions. In his seven years in the NFL, he has played in 16 games in six of those seasons, which is a rare level of consistency for a player at his position. The Lions, who have had their own injury struggles in recent years, could benefit from Judon’s durability, particularly given how often edge rushers are sidelined with various ailments.
On top of all that, Judon is a proven playoff performer. Although the Lions haven’t reached the postseason in several years, bringing in a player with postseason experience could help instill a winning mentality within the locker room. Judon’s leadership and ability to shine under pressure could be exactly what the Lions need as they look to push for a playoff spot in 2023.
The Financial Aspects: A One-Year, $4 Million Deal
The proposed one-year, $4 million deal for Matthew Judon represents a relatively low-risk, high-reward move for the Lions. Given Judon’s experience and past production, securing his services for such a price tag would be a tremendous bargain for a team that has ample cap space but is still cautious about spending big on free agents in a rebuild.
One of the major advantages of this deal is its structure. A one-year contract gives the Lions flexibility moving forward. If Judon performs well and helps elevate the defense, the Lions could opt to re-sign him to a more lucrative deal next offseason, provided he continues to play at a high level. Conversely, if he struggles or the Lions fail to make significant strides in 2023, they could part ways with Judon without being financially tied down.
For Judon, the potential $4 million deal represents an opportunity to continue proving his worth as one of the league’s top pass rushers while playing for a team that may have a future playoff window opening. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that could help both parties reach their goals in the 2023 season.
The Lions’ Potential with Matthew Judon
With the addition of Judon, the Detroit Lions would instantly have one of the more well-rounded defensive fronts in the NFC. Judon’s ability to generate pressure, set the edge, and provide veteran leadership could turn the Lions’ defense from one of the weakest in the league into a unit that opponents will have to game-plan for. Along with young talents like Aidan Hutchinson and a budding secondary, Judon could be the catalyst for a defense that is no longer a liability but a strength.
In the context of the NFC North, a division that has seen its power dynamics shift in recent years, the Lions’ potential rise could take the form of a well-rounded roster that has the firepower to contend with the likes of the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears. With the NFC North up for grabs in 2023, the Lions have a golden opportunity to make a run—provided their defense, with the addition of Judon, can carry its weight.