Pass rusher Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots has been the subject of trade speculations for several months. As the speculation grows, oddsmakers think the Chicago Bears are one of the best teams to get Judon through trade.
The Seattle Seahawks (16.7% likelihood, +500) have the best chance to get Judon, according to Bet Massachusetts. The Atlanta Falcons (15.4% probability, +550 chances) and the Bears (15.4% chance, +550 odds), who are tied for the second-highest odds of signing Judon, are not far behind the Seahawks.
One of Chicago’s biggest unmet requirements is a pass rusher to support a team captained by Montez Sweat. Currently, the Bears’ defensive ends room consists of Austin Booker, DeMarcus Walker, Jacob Martin, Dominique Robinson, and Sweat.
A guy similar to Judon to rush the other edge opposite Sweat would make the Bears’ defensive front much more formidable. But would Bears general manager Ryan Poles entertain a trade for Judon? That probably depends on several factors.
Will the Patriots Give Up Their Top Defensive Player for Anything?
In the end, Judon would prefer to work out a contract with the Pats, he said in an April interview with 93.7 WEEI. Judon stated, “I think with the contract stuff, if it happens, it happens.” He continued, “It would be great if we could work out a new contract where I try to finish my career in Boston.”
Since then, though, Judon and the Patriots have been unable to come to an agreement, and it doesn’t seem like they will.
According to a person familiar with the matter, Matthew Judon has requested a new contract, and the Patriots have made an offer. But as of right now, they are not close to reaching an agreement on a new contract, Henry McKenna of Fox Sports stated on X on July 9.
Judon, for his part, isn’t contributing anything to quell trade speculations. He shared the unclear gif below on X on July 3:
Check In: The Chicago Bears are one of the top candidates to trade for the $55 million All-Pro player from the Patriots.
“The odds that Judon stays with New England are pretty slim, with the Patriots listed at +1450 to keep him in 2024,” state Bet Massachusetts.
Would Patriots Edge Make a Trade Partner for the Chicago Bears? Judon Matthew?
That is the crucial query. It’s definitely feasible if the seasoned defensive end is well.
Judon’s 2023 campaign was cut short due to a serious injury. During New England’s October 1st game against the Dallas Cowboys, he tore his right biceps. Judon, who was selected to the All-Pro second team in 2022 and was a four-time Pro Bowler, will be quite concerned about his health as he approaches 32 in August. Another may be his age.
Last year, Judon saw action in four games and 94 pass rush plays. Pro Football Focus reports that he ended with 16 total pressures (4.0 sacks, 7 hurries, and 5 QB hits). He recorded a career-high 15.5 sacks in his All-Pro 2022 performance the previous year. He also added 28 QB hits, 14 TFLs, and two forced fumbles.
Judon has a great resume, no question about it, but his age and wage demands may make a deal with Chicago more difficult. Judon will probably be searching for a contract that pays him more than that yearly in the future, as his 2024 salary is just $6.5 million. Poles could be open to bargaining, but once more, for anything to happen, Judon needs to be in perfect condition.
The Bears “remained open to the possibility of re-signing” Yannick Ngakoue, who was with the team in 2023, according to a June report from Chris Emma of 670 The Score. Training camp is quickly approaching (rookies report on July 16), so if the Bears decide to make a move in the coming weeks, expect one.
Based in the Midwest, Beth Mishler-Elmore covers heavy sports, specializing in the NBA, WNBA, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles. She also writes about the Bears for the CBS Sports station Bear Report. Further details on Elmore and Mishler
