A surprising decision has left four-time NFL Pro-Bowl linebacker Matt Judon unemployed after the Miami Dolphins announced his release on Wednesday. This move came alongside the benching of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the promotion of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers to his first NFL start. Judon’s departure marks a significant change for the Dolphins as they assess their roster following the end of their season.
Judon, who has amassed around $77 million in career earnings, is expected to hit waivers shortly. If he clears, he will have the opportunity to choose his next team. Although the Dolphins have not confirmed the reasons behind this decision, it is speculated that the team aimed to allow Judon to pursue a competitive opportunity while also evaluating younger players during the final stages of the season.
Judon’s NFL Journey and Recent Performance
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Judon has had a notable career. He played under a rookie contract before being franchise tagged in 2020. As an unrestricted free agent, he signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the New England Patriots in 2021, where he enjoyed significant success. Judon’s standout season came in 2022, when he achieved 15.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and recorded his highest number of assisted tackles.
However, his performance has declined since suffering a bicep injury in 2023. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded only 9.5 sacks in 34 games, culminating in a frustrating year with the Dolphins, where he failed to secure a single sack.
Future Prospects for Judon
Former teams such as the Patriots and Ravens may be considering a reunion with Judon, given his prior success. Additionally, teams like the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are also in need of depth at linebacker. The Packers are dealing with the loss of Micah Parsons to a torn ACL, while the Steelers have concerns following T.J. Watt‘s recent injury.
Judon’s experience and proven track record make him an attractive candidate for teams looking to bolster their defensive line-up as the league heads into the offseason. As he navigates this unexpected turn in his career, the next few days will be crucial in determining his future in the NFL.
