After his release from the Miami Dolphins, Matthew Judon can now sign with any NFL team. Here are three teams that should make a run at the veteran edge rusher.
Dolphins Release Matthew Judon
Matt Judon went unclaimed on waivers from the #Dolphins. Now free to sign elsewhere. https://t.co/TcGBJCjQso
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 18, 2025
Judon’s time with the Dolphins can come to an end.
The Dolphins announced on Wednesday that Judon has been released.
The veteran pass rusher ends his tenure in Miami with 19 total tackles and zero sacks in 13 games.
In 2016, Judon entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Judon spent the first five seasons of his career with the Ravens.
Judon’s best seasons came with the Patriots, registering 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 sacks in 2022.
In August 2024, the Patriots traded Judon to the Atlanta Falcons for a fifth-round pick. After one season in Atlanta, Judon signed with Miami this past August.
Judon has 423 total tackles, 72 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one interception in 10 seasons.
After clearing waivers, Judon is free to sign with any team.
3 Teams Who Should Sign Matthew Judon
Roster Moves | We have signed LB Jackson Woodard to the active roster off Houston’s practice squad and waived LB Matthew Judon.
We have also signed LB Andre Carter II to the practice squad and released TE Tanner Conner from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/8LxtYTfrWr
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 17, 2025
New England Patriots
Sometimes, the most obvious answer is the right one.
Judon’s best seasons came as a member of the New England Patriots.
Despite losing to the Bills in Week 15, the Patriots are 11-3 and on the cusp of the AFC East crown.
The Patriots are in the bottom third in sacks (29). Plus, the Patriots’ rushing defense has struggled since the injury to Milton Williams.
Judon adds more depth to a defensive line and a veteran presence in an inexperienced locker room.
San Francisco 49ers
The team with the fewest sacks this season is the San Francisco 49ers with 16. The next closest team is the Baltimore Ravens with 22.
The 49ers’ pass rush has been nonexistent since Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Bosa is tied for second on the team in sacks with two. That’s not good for a team with playoff aspirations.
If the 49ers defeat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, they will clinch a playoff berth.
Adding Judon to a defensive line desperate for sacks is a worthy flier ahead of the playoff push.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Things looked bleak in Pittsburgh a month ago after losing five of their last seven games.
However, the Steelers have turned it around with two consecutive wins. Now, Pittsburgh controls its own destiny for the AFC North crown.
The Steelers’ defense is banged up on the edge with injuries to T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig.
Judon could be the player the Steelers need to help them make the postseason.
