3 Patriots Most Likely to Be Traded This Offseason
3. DE Matthew Judon
If the Patriots truly want to shake up their roster, Matthew Judon is another trade candidate this offseason.
The eight-year veteran is one of the NFL's best pass rushers when he's healthy. He's been named to the Pro Bowl four times since the start of the 2019 campaign and even finished ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022. Furthermore, his 47.5 sacks over the last five seasons are tied with Danielle Hunter for the 10th-most during that span.
Having said that, Judon was anything but healthy in 2023. A pesky biceps injury ended his season after just four games, holding him to 13 tackles with 4.0 sacks during those appearances. Even though the Patriots are optimistic regarding a full recovery, it's important to remember that he turns 32 in August and might not be capable of returning to his Pro Bowl form.
Judon is still looking for his first Super Bowl ring, which likely won't happen in New England any time soon. The Patriots are still far away from fielding a championship-caliber roster, so chances are he'd rather ring chase elsewhere rather than be a part of a rebuild.
On top of that, Judon hits free agency in 2025, so it makes sense for the Pats to get something for him now rather than lose him for nothing next year.
With a trade saving around $4.4 million in cap space before and $6.7 million after June 1, trading Judon this offseason is a no-brainer if the Patriots are ready to move on and start the new era right.
More New England Patriots news and rumors:
feed