Defense, Defense, Defense. That’s the name of the game for the Baltimore Ravens. Of course, their biggest move this offseason was signing former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. However, re-signing All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Madubuike was equally as important.
Madubuike’s value can be enhanced if Ravens general manager, Eric DeCosta, can swing a deal to add a premier edge pass rusher whether that be through the draft or trade.
CBS Sports reporter Cody Benjamin included Matthew Judon in his list of five notable names that could be moved before the draft later this month.
Here’s Benjamin’s explanation:
Judon is a prolific player at a premium position, but with reason to relocate. From his perspective, New England is rebuilding under a new coach. From the team’s perspective, Judon is solid but coming off an injury, going on 32 years old and entering a contract year. 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.
Judon played in only four games in 2023 due to a torn biceps muscle. He registered 4.0 sacks with five tackles for loss and nine QB hits in those contests.
Judon’s 2022 season was much better. He played in all 17 games and had 15.5 sacks with 14 tackles for a loss and 28 quarterback hits.
The Patriots signed Judon as an unrestricted free agent from Baltimore in March, 2021. The deal was worth $54 million over four years. Judon delivered by finishing with 12.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss and 25 quarterback hits.
The Ravens selected Judon in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. Baltimore placed the franchise tag in 2020 and signed his tender that May.
Bringing Judon back to Baltimore would help offset the loss of free agent Jadaveon Clowney after he signed a two-year, $20 million free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers.
The Ravens need a proven veteran pass rusher to lead their group. Madubuike finished with 13 sacks to lead Baltimore last season. With Clowney departing and Kyle Van Noy remaining as a free agent, the next best sack totals come from Odafe Oweh who has five sacks.
Pairing Judon with top-level pass-rushing coach Chuck Smith would be a big-time move for the Ravens. It will depend on what level of compensation the Patriots want in return for the former Pro Bowler.
