Dolphins Secure Matthew Judon with One-Year Contract
The Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement with outside linebacker Matthew Judon for a one-year contract. The news was confirmed this Monday, marking a significant reinforcement for the team’s defense.
The agreement could reach $6 million, according to reports.
Judon visited the team’s facilities on Monday, which sparked speculation about potential long-term injuries to some of the Dolphins’ top pass rushers. However, coach Mike McDaniel clarified that the team’s interest in Judon is independent of any injuries to Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson, or Bradley Chubb.Judon joins a group of outside linebackers that has been one of the bright spots of training camp. Beyond Robinson, Chubb, and Phillips, Grayson Murphy and Derrick McLendon have stood out in the team’s two preseason games.
The incorporation of Judon is strategic for the Dolphins, whose pass rushers have been tested in the last two seasons.
In the past season, the Dolphins ranked 27th in the NFL with 35 sacks, 16 of which were made by Robinson and defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Chubb missed the entire 2024 season, and Phillips only played four games.
Judon, 33, recorded 5.5 sacks (second on the team) and nine quarterback hits last season with the Atlanta Falcons. It was his first season after a biceps injury that limited him to just four games in 2023. Before that, Judon had been one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, with 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 in 2021. He is a four-time Pro Bowler.
Judon accumulated four sacks in his last seven games with Atlanta, participating in 59% of the team’s defensive plays. In addition, he was fourth on the team in quarterback pressures (29).
Was acquired by the Falcons last season in a trade with the New England Patriots on August 19, 2024, in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The outside linebacker had been training with the Patriots during training camp after a brief absence due to a contract dispute.
In nine seasons, Judon has 72 sacks.
