The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move to overhaul their struggling defense, officially releasing veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon. The decision comes after a frustrating period where the four-time Pro Bowler failed to record a single sack for the team.
Judon's Short-Lived Stint in Miami Ends
The Dolphins initially signed the 33-year-old Matthew Judon to a short-term deal in mid-August, a move that surprised many given the team's existing depth at the edge rusher position. Judon, a proven player with a history of pressuring quarterbacks, joined with a career tally of 72.0 sacks, 95 tackles for loss, and 177 QB hits across 144 games for the Ravens, Patriots, Falcons, and Dolphins.
However, his recent production had seen a sharp decline. Over the combined 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons, Judon managed only 9.5 sacks. His time in Miami proved particularly unproductive. In 13 appearances and three starts this season, playing 41% of defensive snaps, he registered 19 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits—but notably, zero sacks.
Dolphins Reshuffle Their Defensive Front
Judon's release is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy by the Miami Dolphins to address their defensive shortcomings. Earlier this season, the team traded away Jaelan Phillips, a move focused on freeing up salary cap space and acquiring future draft picks rather than maintaining immediate defensive power.
In a corresponding move to inject fresh energy, the Dolphins re-signed Quinton Bell from their practice squad over the weekend. Bell's versatility is expected to help with rotational depth. However, letting go of a high-profile veteran like Judon signals a clear and decisive pivot in the team's approach to fixing its front seven during a middling season.
What's Next for Matthew Judon?
Matthew Judon hinted at his departure with a cryptic Instagram post, writing, “The reaper finally got me.” Despite this setback, his career is likely not over. As a free agent, and subject to waivers, he could attract interest from Super Bowl contenders like the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs. In a reduced, rotational role, his veteran experience and savvy could still be a valuable asset for a playoff-bound team.
For the Miami Dolphins, the search for consistent pass rush continues. The release of Matthew Judon closes a brief and underwhelming chapter as the franchise looks to build a more effective defense for the future.
