Should the Rams make a run at Matthew Judon in 2024?

Judon would be a solid steal from a rebuilding Patriots squad for LA

The L.A. Rams realistically have a chance to make an unexpected Super Bowl run in 2024 if they can maintain expectations. While the NFC shouldn’t be the cake walk that it has been in recent years, LA should be able to quickly assert themselves as one of the top teams in the conference. If the Rams are going to win another title under Sean McVay, they’ll need reinforcements on defense and who better than Matthew Judon?

The veteran edge rusher was a four-time Pro Bowler from 2019-2022 with the Ravens and Patriots. He was a quality pass rusher in Baltimore before really coming onto his own as a sack master under Bill Belichick in New England. After joining the Patriots in March 2021, Judon registered back-to-back double-digit sack campaigns in his first two seasons.

From 2021-22, Judon amassed 28 sacks while playing in all 34 games with the team, including 31 starts. Injuries limited Judon to just four games in 2023, yet he averaged a sack per game before being placed on IR in October. The eight-year defender will be 32 by the start of the regular season but has proven he can continue playing at a high level, injuries be damned.

LA could always use another edge rusher to complement youngers like Byron Young, Ernest Jones and rookie Jared Verse. The Rams should strongly consider giving the Patriots a call just to inquire about Judon. New England has not signed Judon to a contract extension beyond this upcoming season, leaving him to test free agency in 2025. Although, the Pats did make an adjustment to his contract ahead of the regular season last year, but did not add any future years to his deal.

Now that Belichick is out in New England, the Patriots under rookie head coach Jerod Mayo could always trade Judon to help out their rebuilding efforts. Judon has proven to be the ideal teammate as he is constantly undergoing efforts to recruits stars to the Boston area to play alongside him. Couldn’t the Rams use someone like him to help get players to Hollywood? LA is an attractive destination regardless and the vet would likely trade his New England digs for a chance at a Super Bowl ring with the Rams.

The Rams probably wouldn’t have to give up much draft capital to acquire him either. Remember, the Jets got Haason Reddick this offseason while only giving up a conditional third-round pick to the Eagles. Hard to believe LA would have to part with anything higher than a third-rounder for Judon considering his age.

Even though Judon is an avid mac and cheese hater (a minor red flag if you ask me but I’ll look past it), he could provide the Rams with a solid veteran presence. This LA team offers a lot of promise and has the potential of making noise in the playoffs. Matthew Judon is not Aaron Donald, but he wouldn’t need to be if he is provided with the opportunity to help the defense find a new gear.