In the weeks leading up to the start of training camp, there is still a long list of free agents looking to find their next team for the upcoming season. The Patriots are urged to explore the top remaining unsigned names, specifically pass rushers, and one familiar name continues to be mentioned in the conversation.
One of the biggest moves Jerod Mayo made during his short tenure was trading linebacker Matthew Judon to the Falcons during the 2024 offseason. It seemed to be a long time coming, despite how much he had contributed during his time in New England.
It sent a clear message that no player was exempt from being cut or traded, no matter how instrumental they had been to their limited success since Tom Brady's departure. And unfortunately, for the most part, the Patriots haven't recovered from losing their best pass rusher in years.
That puts them square in the conversation to sign another ahead of the 2026 season, and Judon is on the list of potential candidates. While he might not be the same player he was during his last tenure in Foxboro, he could still be a veteran presence the defense could benefit from, on top of what he could do on the field.
And from the looks of it, Judon wouldn't mind returning.
Matthew Judon seems to send a message to the Patriots about a potential return
As training camp nears and the chance of being signed for the season starts to dwindle, Judon's recent post on Instagram seems to show where he hopes to land next.
In the video, the Pro Bowler is wearing a Patriots sweatshirt, and while it's fair to assume that he still has plenty of clothing with the team's name on it, it doesn't feel like a coincidence that he chose to wear it in a post to social media at this stage of the offseason.
Although he didn't address the shirt in the video, it caught the attention of Patriots fans everywhere and reignited the conversation about potentially bringing him in for the season, a topic that will continue to be a discussion with rookie Gabe Jacas still unsigned.
It will be even more crucial for the team to bring in more talent if they are unable to solve whatever issue is preventing them from getting Jacas under contract, as their pass rush won't be up to par without him on the field. There's a reason they traded up to get him in the second round, and they'll need to fill the void if he doesn't play in Week 1.
Judon could be the right guy for the job in multiple ways, even if he isn't as productive as he once was, which he hasn't been in his post-Patriots career. However, he was a proven talent during his time in New England, and that's enough to consider signing him.
Maybe his post will be enough to kick the tires and what he's looking for and what it would take to get him to Foxboro.
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