Patriots' Matthew Judon 'Fully Functional' For 2024?

After missing the final 13 games due to a bicep injury, New England Patriots' defensive end Matthew Judon spoke about his health and his future during a Super Bowl Week interview on radio row in Las Vegas.

The New England Patriots played more than three quarters of the 2023 season without their most-accomplished edge rusher.

Veteran Matthew Judon, who has 66.5 career sacks, suffered a season-ending biceps injury in an October 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. On the mend following surgery, the 31-year-old Judon provided a health update and more during an on-air interview with Boston-based radio hosts Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti.

"I feel like I'm fully functional. I feel like I got my strength back, my mobility back. I'm ready to play," said Judon from Super Bowl radio row in Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, Judon won't get a chance to play in Sunday's big game, and it doesn't seem as if the Patriots will contend for a Super Bowl next season either. After a 4-13 record, New England parted ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick and chose former linebacker Jerod Mayo as the man to right the ship.

Although Mayo has plenty of capable pieces on defense, the Patriots lack offensive weapons and have questions at quarterback. As a unit, New England ranked 30th in total offense (276.2) and its passing attack (180.5) was 28th best.

"I think everybody needs to get better. that's what you do in the offseason," said Judon.

Judon, who signed a four-year free agent contract with New England in 2021, was performing at a high level prior to the Week 4 injury. He recorded 4.0 sacks and nine quarterback hits over the first three-plus games. Judon also made one tackle-for-loss against the run. Without him, the Patriots fell to 28th out of 32 teams in sack percentage (6.26%).

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"I have another year on my contract, so I'm back. I'm happy that I'm still able to play football," said Judon.

When asked about potentially influencing the defensive scheme, Judon suggested he'll leave the coaching up to Mayo and the staff.

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"I'm gonna make sure that I do what I need to do and go out there play and produce. I don't want to also be a coach. I ain't Lebron [James]. I'm not a coach/player," said Judon, who was selected in the fifth round at the 2016 NFL Draft.

Prior to landing with the Patriots, the Division II Grand Valley State product spent five seasons as a Baltimore Raven. He logged at least 4.0 sacks in all five seasons and earned two Pro Bowl nods.