Matthew Judon Replacements: Could New England Patriots Sign Chandler Jones, or Ex Dallas Cowboys Star?

After the injury to star edge rusher Matthew Judon, the New England Patriots could look to free agency for risky reinforcements.

When it rains, it pours for the New England Patriots, as the injury bug continues to ravage following their 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. 

After opening the season without several starters along the offensive line, they lost cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a torn labrum and star edge rusher Matthew Judon to a torn bicep.  

In contrast to Gonzalez's injury, Judon hasn't been completely ruled out of making a return to the field for the Patriots this season, as the timetable won't be determined until after his surgery. 

However, even with the 31-year-old out for at least the foreseeable future, the Patriots could pursue help as they did at cornerback with the trade to bring back J.C. Jackson. But who? 

Randy Gregory

The team released the former Dallas Cowboys defensive end he left them for, the Denver Broncos, on Wednesday after totaling just three sacks two years into a big five-year contract worth $70 million he signed following the 2021 season.

While Gregory's three sacks in just 10 games for the Broncos isn't much to write home about, he isn't far removed from the promising 2021 season with the Dallas Cowboys that landed him the big contract from the Broncos.

After years of having trouble staying on the field due to off-the-field issues that led to multiple suspensions from the league office, Gregory totaled 19 tackles, four for a loss, six sacks, and 17 hits during his final season in Dallas. 

Randy Gregory recording a sack against the Patriots in 2021

Chandler Jones 

The reasoning for his inclusion is obvious: Jones is a former Patriot like Jackson, which makes it natural to have him on any list discussing potential reinforcements at edge rusher.

However, his recent arrest after weeks of a public dispute with his now former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, has left many with more questions than answers. Yet, if Jones is ready to play football after being released by the Raiders, the Patriots seem like a natural fit, given their past ties. 

The Patriots also have the option of staying in-house and using the likes of Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai, and Keion White to help fill the void left by Judon.

---