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Former Patriots defensive star released by the Dolphins
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- Former Patriots defensive star released by the Dolphins
A former Patriots Pro Bowler is headed to the waiver wire.
On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins released veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon , according to the NFL Network . Judon, 33, is two seasons removed from being traded by the Patriots . This season, he made 19 tackles and three quarterback hits for the Dolphins in 13 games played.
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It wasn’t that long ago that Judon was one of the few bright spots in New England .
A free-agent signing in 2021, Judon made two Pro Bowls in three seasons with the Patriots . He led the team with a career-high 12.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits in 2021. He bettered those numbers the next year, amassing 15.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in 2022. Judon finished ninth in the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year voting that season.
Judon’s time in New England didn’t end on a high note . In 2023, he played in just four games before suffering a season-ending torn lower bicep injury. In 2024, Judon had a public contract dispute with the Patriots during training camp through the media and in practice. On the first day if camp, the veteran had animated discussions with then-head coach Jerod Mayo and front office personnel Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh before leaving the practice field.
Judon had hoped for a new contract entering 2024 in the final year of his deal. On Aug. 14, 2024, the Patriots traded the veteran to the Atlanta Falcons for a future third-round pick.
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That pick, No. 77 from the Falcons, turned into multiple picks for the Patriots after they traded down twice. For Judon, the Patriots ended up getting left guard Jared Wilson , edge rusher Bradyn Swinson , and a 2026 fourth-round pick from Chicago .
Last year, Judon finished with 5.5 sacks for the Falcons. This offseason, he signed a 1-year, $6millioin contract with the Dolphins.
Now, Judon will head to the waiver wire where another team can claim him and pick up his contract. If he clears waivers, Judon becomes a free agent.
Considering how things ended, it would be a surprise if the Patriots brought Judon back.
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Starting edge rushers Harold Landry (8.5 sacks) and K’Lavon Chaisson (6.5 sacks) have been productive. The team’s backups, Elijah Ponder (3 sacks) and Anfernee Jennings (1 sack) have also been solid in their roles.
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