3 Patriots Who Could Be Extended Next After Kyle Dugger

3. Matthew Judon, DE

New England fans were excited to see what Matthew Judon had in store heading into last season. After all, the veteran defensive end was coming off a fantastic 2022 performance that saw him rack up a career-high 15.5 sacks with 36 solo tackles en route to finishing ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Unfortunately, Patriots fans didn't see much of Judon in 2023. The ex-Grand Valley State defenders' eighth NFL campaign prematurely ended when he tore his lower bicep in a 38-3 Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Judon is at the age (31) where injuries are more concerning, but that doesn't mean the Patriots shouldn't extend him based on his recent health issue.

It's easy to forget that Judon was on pace for another monster season before his bicep tear. Although his pace may not have been sustainable, the Pontiac, MI native was projected to finish the 2023 campaign with 43 solo tackles and 17.0 sacks had he not missed a game — both of which would've been new personal bests.

Assuming that he can get back to that level, the Patriots would be foolish not to extend Judon. Besides, he's made it more than clear that he's willing to finish his career in Foxboro, telling WEEI’s Mike Kadlick on April 4 that it'd be "great" if the Patriots extended him. That's fantastic for New England fans to hear following the team's disastrous year.

Given how rostering reliable defenders tends to make rebuilds more palatable for fans, extending Judon is a no-brainer for the Patriots.

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