Top 10: Patriots best free agent signings of last 10 years
Matthew Judon – 2021
stats while on the Patriots
- Two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022)
- 34 regular season games – 120 combined tackles, 28 sacks, 28 TFL, 53 QB hits,
4 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
When Bill Belichick went on an unprecedented spending spree during 2021 free agency, Matthew Judon was one of the more exciting names announced to be coming to New England.
Although he wasn’t the flashiest of linebackers/edge defenders during his five years with the Baltimore Ravens, it was obvious that his presence on the defense would be beneficial even at that level. But in the two seasons he’s suited up for the Patriots, he’s become an absolute menace on the field in all the right ways.
During his first season, he made an instant impact racking up 12.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits. He brought an infectious energy to the team and the field and swiftly became a leader in the locker room, not to mention a fan favorite.
He continued to build upon his impressive performance in 2021 last season, setting a new career-high with 15.5 sacks. That made him a player with the third-most single-season sacks in Patriots history, falling just three sacks short of Andre Tippett‘s all-time record.
It also made him surpass Chandler Jones’ record of 12.5 sacks in a single season to become the Patriots player with the most sacks in the Bill Belichick era.
His mentorship has also dramatically impacted his teammates, notably Deatrich Wise Jr. and Josh Uche, who accomplished their best seasons in 2022. As the Patriots hope to build upon their recent defensive success, Judon’s presence will surely be beneficial as long as he’s in New England.