Trade Matthew Judon? Why New England Patriots Should Consider Moving Edge Rusher

Despite being a Pro Bowl talent, the current skill set of Matthew Judon may not be what the New England Patriots are looking for in their future.

Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

With so little top talent on the roster, would the New England Patriots really try and trade Matt Judon this offseason?

Crazy as it may sound, it might just be the best thing for the future of the franchise.

To start, Judon is easily the best player on the Patriots right now. The 31-year-old edge rusher has been to the Pro Bowl four times, and despite a torn bicep costing his 2023 season, has been as consistent an edge rusher as they come in the NFL.

For what the Patriots truly need, though, Judon may not be a part of the team's plans.

For starters, the Patriots aren't going to be competing for Super Bowls anytime soon. While their defense is talented, the offense doesn't have a quarterback, stable offensive line, receiving core, or dynamic runner. To build all those things will take years. Then, on the defensive side, while they are talented, improving in the secondary and run defense will be pivotal over the next few years.

In short, it could be a few years before the team is competitive again.

With Judon already over 30, by the time the team becomes competitive again, the Grand Valley State product will be aged and arguably off the team to begin with.

That's what makes potentially moving on from Judon now so important. While the former Raven did suffer a season-ending injury, he is in the final year of his contract with the Patriots. Getting any sort of value for him will help the Patriots in the long-term while setting up things for the organization to potentially have younger options at edge rusher.

The notion of getting rid of a player a year before he exits his prime is real. The Philadelphia Eagles did that with Haason Reddick this past weekend, and Los Angeles Chargers did it with Keenan Allen. It's a clear sign that New England should do the same with Judon.