It isn't a secret the Chicago Bears didn't address the pass rush position like many had hoped. While they did add Austin Booker in the 5th round and some depth options in free agency, they failed to secure a legitimate #2 guy to play opposite Montez Sweat. Given how important the front four are to the success of Matt Eberflus' system, this feels like a dangerous gamble. It makes some wonder if GM Ryan Poles may try one more time to add a proven name to the mix. The latest name to pop up is none other than Matthew Judon.
Since 2017, he has been one of the most consistently underappreciated pass rushers in the league. He's made four Pro Bowls and showcased his star power in 2022 with 15.5 sacks with the New England Patriots. Sadly, an injury ended what looked to be another strong year last season. It was the first time in his career he'd ever missed significant playing time. While most expect him back healthy for the Patriots this season, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report wonders if the organization might look to move on via trade.
The Bears feel like the ideal landing spot at the right price.
The eight-year veteran is coming off of a torn bicep, but he was productive in his limited playing time last year. He racked up four sacks in as many games prior to his injury.
The New England Patriots are rebuilding, so it doesn't make sense to roster a soon-to-be 32-year-old who is entering a contract year. The Patriots would be better off acquiring draft picks for Judon and would receive about $6.7 million of cap relief by dealing him post-June 1.
Meanwhile, the Bears currently have more than $22.6 million available, and adding a proven pass-rusher could be just what the defense needs to make a playoff push this fall. That should pique defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus' interest, especially since Eberflus is widely considered to be on the hot seat heading into the 2024 season.
Matthew Judon can help the Bears immediately.
Despite the setback last year, he has a long track record of durability. Though 32 years old, there is no reason to think he'd suddenly lost step before the injury. He was still creating havoc. The best part is he wouldn't have to be the primary guy in Chicago. They already have Sweat for that. This means he'd see plenty of one-on-one situations, which is free money for him. If the Bears can get him for a 6th round pick, or maybe a 5th for a 6th, that would be a solid deal for them.
Everything comes back to Poles and Eberflus. While everybody else has opinions about the pass rush situation, we don't know theirs. It is possible they want to lean on developing the younger guys they have, like Booker, Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens, and Dominique Robinson. The arrival of Eric Washington as defensive coordinator was supposed to help with that. Answers to this will likely arrive around the start of training camp after the team has gotten a look at what they have in OTAs and mandatory minicamps. Matthew Judon would be a strong addition, that much is certain.
