Dolphins had interest in trading for Patriots’ Matthew Judon, per NFL reporter

The New England Patriots traded disgruntled edge rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. Shortly after the trade was announced, it was revealed that the Chicago Bears had also been interested in trading for the talented pass rusher, but were beaten out by the Falcons’ offer. A couple of hours later, news came out that there was another suitor involved in the talks for Judon’s services: The Miami Dolphins, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Miami being interested in acquiring Judon should come as no surprise. The team obviously has a need at the position, as they’re heading into the season with two unproven rushers slated to start, while their best pass rushers – Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb – are rehabbing injuries and are either on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, or just recently came off of it .

It also makes sense for the Dolphins to be interested in Judon specifically. They’ve seen him up close and personal throughout his career, playing him twice a year since his arrival in New England in 2021. Judon was highly productive in his two healthy seasons with the Patriots, turning in 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 sacks in 2022. Judon was hampered by injury in 2023, playing only four games on the season, but finishing with four sacks in those games.

While it may be disappointing to some to see the Dolphins not come away with Judon, it makes some sense given the fact Miami doesn’t currently have a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Miami gave up their pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the draft-day trade that ended with Miami taking Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright. Miami is likely to pick up two compensatory picks for the free agency losses of Christian Wilkins and Robert Jones, but those picks have yet to be awarded and therefore cannot be traded.