Commanders named best fit for former Falcons LB Matthew Judon

Last season, the Atlanta Falcons made a last-ditch effort to upgrade their pass rush by trading for former Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon in the middle of August. The trade didn’t amount to much, though, as Judon finished with just 5.5 sacks.

The Falcons went in a different direction this offseason, selecting two edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. While there was initially speculation that Judon could return to Atlanta, there’s no place for him at this point. The 32-year-old has yet to find a home in free agency.

NFL.com released a new feature with suggestions on where the top remaining free agents should sign in 2025. Analyst Jeffri Chadiha thinks Judon would be a good fit with Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders.

He has his flaws — he turns 33 in August and only amassed 5.5 sacks in his one season with the Falcons last year — but he also fits what Peters has been finding in free agency the last couple years. The Commanders received valuable contributions from older veterans like linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz in 2024. If Judon can give them a little boost in the pass rush, he would be just as beneficial to Washington’s hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. — Jeffri Chadiha, NFL.com

Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler with 72 career sacks, has little to prove after nine NFL seasons. However, it’s somewhat surprising that we’ve reached May and no team has signed the veteran pass rusher. There’s a good chance Judon is simply weighing his options and will make a choice after OTAs.

Atlanta drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round and signed free-agent edge Leonard Floyd. All three players are expected to elevate the team’s pass rush this season. The Falcons still have former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie, who’s become the forgotten man up front.

Ebiketie led the team with six sacks last season but is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Third-round pick Bralen Trice is also set to return after missing all of his rookie season.

Regardless of how the Falcons’ starting lineup ends up looking on defense, they have a much healthier stable of edge rushers to work with this season than any time in recent memory.