Patriots Reportedly Signing Pass-Rusher Matt Judon To Massive Four-Year Deal
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots have reportedly added some help to the team's pass-rush while stealing a talented player away from an AFC foe. The Patriots have finalized a deal with Baltimore Ravens free agent linebacker Matt Judon, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The deal is reportedly a four-year pact for $56 million, including $32 million over the first two years, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Judon is now part of a Patriots free agent frenzy on Monday, as the team has also reportedly agreed to deals with tight end Jonnu Smith and nose tackle Davon Godchaux.
The 28-year-old Judon has had a knack for getting after the quarterback in his five NFL seasons, racking up 34.5 sacks over 76 games. The best season of his career came in 2019, when the former fifth-round pick out of Grand Valley State registered a career-high 9.5 sacks and 33 QB hits.
The Ravens hit Judon with the franchise tag after that monster season in 2019, though they saw a dip in production from the 6-foot-3, 261-pound linebacker in 2020. Judon tallied just six sacks, 21 QB hits and 51 tackles last season. One of those sacks came in a Week 9 loss to the Patriots.
Judon missed two games last December when he landed on the NFL's COVID-19 list. He's been healthy throughout his career though, playing in all 16 games for three straight seasons from 2017-19.
Judon added two QB hits and a sack in Baltimore's two playoff games in 2020. In four career postseason tilts, he has 13 combined tackles, seven QB hits and the lone sack.
The New England pass rush recorded just 24 sacks in 16 games in 2020, which was tied for sixth-fewest in the NFL.
