The New England Patriots are not afraid to keep throwing around big contracts, with Bill Belichick targeting edge rusher Matthew Judon. They agreed to terms on a four-year, $56 million deal on Monday. The deal can become official on March 17 when the league year opens.
And Belichick is changing the complexion of this team in a big way. Judon is the latest starting-caliber talent to join. In fact, that might be underselling Judon, who is a two-time Pro Bowler in his first four seasons in the NFL. The only big question is Judon’s attitude off the field, where he attempted to blackmail a reporter.
If his contract and past performance is any bearing, he’s their next big star.
On the surface, you see the “edge” label and you think Belichick is adding a rusher. But that’s not what’s happening here. Judon isn’t exactly a pure edge-rusher. He’s dynamic, but isn’t elite at getting to the quarterback. His highest sack total came in 2019 when he logged 9.5 sacks. That’s a skill he can provide — it’s just not his biggest asset. He’s also a gifted run defender, with the ability and willingness to set the edge in the run game. And he’s even a capable coverage linebacker. Belichick might even tinker with Judon at different spots in the front-seven, which the Ravens have done.
It’s clear Belichick admired Judon’s ability to do just about everything on the field, which is why — for the first time in a long time — the Patriots coach is making a major investment in the edge position. He may not be the prototype around the NFL, but he’s exactly what Belichick wants in a linebacker. That’s why he got this enormous contract.
