Breaking: Ravens Closing In On Deal To Sign $22.5 Million Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher After Jadeveon Clowney Exit
The Baltimore Ravens can easily replace Jadeveon Clowney by trading for Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon.
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, Judon is a solid fit for the Ravens, even though his current status with the New England Patriots may be threatened. Benjamin identified Judon as a player “who could still be moved before or during” the 2024 NFL Draft.
As Benjamin put it, “Judon is a prolific player at a premium position, but he has reasons to relocate.” In his opinion, New England is rebuilding with a new coach. Judon is solid from the team’s perspective, but he is coming off an injury, turning 32, and entering a contract year.
A trade with the Ravens makes sense for the Patriots, even though “the return for a player of his age might not be overwhelming, but the cap relief and/or draft compensation could enable New England to pour more resources into longer-term building blocks.”
Returning to Baltimore would also benefit Judon, who went to back-to-back Pro Bowls with the Ravens in 2019 and 2020. Judon still has the potential to be a game changer from the edge.
The Ravens need a reliable pass rusher after Clowney signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.
Matthew Judon Could Be Odd Man Out in New England
Judon’s 2023 season was derailed by a torn biceps in Week 4. The Patriots missed Judon, but his absence allowed other edge defenders to shine.
Despite not fully seizing the opportunity, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings were able to return in free agency. Retaining the pair ensures the Patriots are well-stocked and getting younger on the edges of their front seven.
Uche is 25, Jennings is 26, but Judon is 31. So, despite his persistent abilities, Judon’s snap count could be cut this year.
In Week 2, he demonstrated his talent with an explosive sack against the Miami Dolphins.
This is one of 32 sacks Judon has recorded in only 38 games with the Patriots. That total is only 2.5 quarterback takedowns short of what Judon achieved during his five seasons in Baltimore, but there are grounds to believe a second stint with the Ravens would be more productive.
Reasons include Judon’s opportunity to rejoin with new defensive coordinator Zach Orr. The latter was on Judon’s coaching staff for his first four seasons with the Ravens.
Orr may employ a known quantity, such as Judon, to replace the hole caused by Clowney’s absence.
Ravens Need Proven Edge-Rusher to Replace Clowney
Baltimore’s head coach, John Harbaugh, was optimistic that Clowney and Kyle Van Noy will return. However, it is also feasible that neither will return, leaving the Ravens without a proven edge rusher.
Judon fits the bill because, like Clowney and Van Noy, he can play either side of the formation while still putting pressure on the pocket. A track record of consistent production is also an advantage for Judon’s comeback.
His experience would also be beneficial in a front seven filled with dynamic, young playmakers. Emerging players include defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, outside linebackers Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo.
The Ravens may potentially absorb Judon’s cap hit of $14,675,848, as reported by Spotrac.com. General manager Eric DeCosta has $12,574,281 to work with, including two fourth-round picks and two seventh-round picks.
DeCosta has enough leverage to trade for Judon and maintain the NFL’s strongest pass rush from last season.
