4 Patriots Who Must Be Traded to Rebuild in Post-Belichick Era

4. Matt Judon, LB

Before the 2023 NFL season began, some Patriots fans would've laughed at the idea of trading Matt Judon. After all, the ex-Grand Valley State defender was coming off his fourth straight Pro Bowl campaign that saw him rack up 60 tackles and 15.5 sacks en route to finishing ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Unfortunately, Judon couldn't replicate that success last season due to a biceps injury that ended his campaign after Week 4. He still made the most of his playing time, though, tallying 13 tackles, four sacks, and a safety in four appearances.

Even though Judon is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024 campaign, a trade should still be explored.

With the Patriots not looking to compete any time soon, it doesn't make sense to waste the prime of one of the NFL's best linebackers. Judon turns 32 before the next season begins and likely only has a few Pro Bowl-quality years left in the tank. Chances are he'd rather use that time chasing a Super Bowl with a contender.

With Judon's track record over the last five seasons, chances are the Patriots won't have an issue finding a potential trade partner. He's one of the best defenders when he's healthy, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could get a Day 2 draft pick or two back in return.

The Patriots would also save $4.4 million if Judon is moved before June 1 or $6.7 million after that cutoff, proving how a trade could also be financially beneficial.

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