Announcement: Bears Closing In On Deal To Sign All-Pro $55 Million Veteran Pass Rusher

New England Patriots pass rusher, has been the subject of trade speculations for several months. According to oddsmakers, the Chicago Bears are among the top contenders to acquire him in a trade.

According to Bet Massachusetts, the Chicago Bears(16.7% likelihood, +500) have the best chance to trade for Judon. The Atlanta Falcons (15.4% probability, +550 odds) and Seattle Seahawks (15.4% chance, +550 odds) have the second-highest chances of acquiring Judon, trailing only the Seahawks.

One of Chicago’s biggest requirements is a pass rusher to complement the team’s current leader, Montez Sweat. Currently, the Bears’ defensive ends include Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Jacob Martin, Dominique Robinson, and Austin Booker.

Adding a player like Judon to rush the other edge opposite Sweat would give the Bears a far more formidable defensive front. But would Bears general manager Ryan Poles consider trading for Judon? That will most likely be determined by a number of factors.

Are Patriots Willing to Trade Their Best Defensive Player?

“Matthew Judon has asked for a new contract and the Patriots have made an offer, according to a source close to the situation. But they are not currently close to agreeing to a new deal,” Henry McKenna of Fox Sports wrote on X on July 9.

For his part, Judon isn’t doing much to help squash trade rumors. On July 3, he posted an ambiguous gif on X

The Patriots may be willing to trade with Judon, who is nearing the end of his four-year, $55 million contract, as they are not yet ready to compete for a championship.

According to Bet Massachusetts, “the odds that Judon stays with New England are pretty slim, with the Patriots listed at +1450 to keep him in 2024.”

Would Chicago Bears Be Willing to Trade for Patriots Edge Matthew Judon?

That’s the key question. If the veteran defensive end is healthy, it’s certainly possible.

Judon is coming off a serious injury that has cut his 2023 season short. He tore his right biceps during New England’s October 1 game against Dallas Cowboys. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro pick in 2022, turns 32 in August, so his health will be a major concern. Another possibility is that his age is different.

Judon appeared in four games and had 94 pass rush snaps last season. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with 16 total pressures, including 4.0 sacks, 7 hurries, and 5 quarterback hits. During his All-Pro 2022 season, he recorded a career-high 15.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, 14 TFLs, and two forced fumbles.

There’s little doubt Judon has an impressive resume, but his age and wage demands may stymie a prospective deal with Chicago. Judon’s 2024 salary is only $6.5 million, so he’ll most certainly look for a contract that pays him more than that every year in the future. Poles may be eager to bargain, but Judon must be in top condition for anything to happen.

In June, Chris Emma of 670 The Score claimed that the Bears were considering re-signing Yannick Ngakoue, who had been with the team in 2023. With training camp just around the bend (rookies report on July 16), expect a move in the next few weeks – assuming the Bears make one.