For much of the offseason, and even since last month's NFL draft, the Patriots have been among the top teams that needed to improve their pass rush to a whole new level. It was one of the weakest points of their roster during the 2025 season and needed major help to remain competitive this upcoming season.
Unfortunately, they didn't re-sign some of their best players from last year, like K'Lavon Chaisson and Khyiris Tonga, and only signed Dre'Mont Jones in free agency.
They made a bigger splash in the draft, selecting Gabe Jacas in the second round, but there are still questions about whether they made enough moves to boost their production.
That has some still looking at who remains unsigned as June is right around the corner, and one of the most intriguing names in the eyes of Patriots fans continues to be a familiar friend, Matthew Judon, who played in New England from 2021 to 2023, recording 32 sacks and making two Pro Bowls in that time.
Although he isn't the massive difference-maker the defense still needs, he's a solid depth piece who would elevate the group while also serving as a mentor to his younger teammates, and based on Judon's recent comments, he might be good with that kind of role.
Matthew Judon might be a good addition for the Patriots to consider ahead of the 2026 season
While speaking to BetSelect UK recently, Judon shared that while he would be content retiring after ten years in the NFL, he still feels like he has some left in the tank to make an impact in the NFL, and while he didn't name the Patriots, they should certainly have him on their radar.
“It’s been 10 years, so I’d be content. But I feel like I’ve still got something left. I still feel like there’s not too many people better than me. But it’s not up to me.”
There hasn't been much said about whether New England has any interest in the 4-time Pro Bowler, and given what Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have said about the kind of roster they want to assemble, Judon doesn't fit what they're looking for.
However, adding veteran leadership and productive depth pieces is never a bad thing, and because the Patriots are considered a contender now, Judon might be more inclined to sign there if given the chance, especially if not many teams are calling.
“Not anywhere, but it’s the NFL, so you really don’t have a lot of choices. There are only 32 teams. You don’t want to be arrogant about that, but you do pick and choose.”
Beyond what they could get from Judon on and off the field, at this stage in his career, he doesn't look like he's the same player he once was, which also drives his cost down. They could probably bring him in at a lower salary than they would have a few years ago, and that's a big reason to, at the very least, inquire.
They've made it clear they want to build a young, hungry team, but that needs to include the respected, trusted veterans to help lead the way.
Judon can do that, and if he's willing to take a rotational role, then there's no reason for the Patriots to look the other way.
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