Bears GM Ryan Poles just got the opportunity he’s been waiting for to add player he’s been obsessed with for a playoff push, but is he worth it?
Should Bears consider adding Matt Judon following his release?
The Chicago Bears found themselves back in the pole position of the NFC North with a win last Sunday and a loss by the Green Bay Packers, but more work is needed to punch their ticket to the postseason after a 10-4 start.
With two more wins, the Bears can lock up the division title and look toward hosting a playoff game at Soldier Field in front of the home crowd for the first time since 2018.
It’s an exciting time, but the Bears aren’t getting too far ahead of themselves. There’s still a lot of improvement to be made between now and then, and a recent roster decision in the AFC could give Chicago an opportunity to improve the roster at a key position.
Miami Dolphins release veteran pass rusher Matt Judon after being eliminated from playoffs
On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins made a handful of roster decisions after being officially eliminated from playoff contention, and the move that flew under the radar, for good reason, was the release of veteran pass rusher Matt Judon.
Judon appeared in 13 games for the Dolphins this season, recording zero sacks and just 10 pressures, after signing with the team during the offseason on a one-year, $3 million contract. Now that he’s been released, Judon is subject to waivers and, if he clears the process, will be free to sign with any team looking for reinforcements ahead of a potential playoff push.
It’s not too long ago that Judon totaled 15.5 sacks for the New England Patriots in 2022. Since then, the now 33-year-old has totaled just 9.5 sacks in 34 games. It’s also not too long ago that Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles expressed interest in adding Judon.
Matt Judon has been on the Bears’ radar for a while now, and the price is finally right
After the 2023 season, the Patriots made it clear that Judon would be moved for the right price and began engaging with several teams eager to make a deal. One of those teams was the Bears, but Chicago ultimately balked at the price, which allowed the Atlanta Falcons to swoop in and acquire Judon for a third-round draft pick, but only for a one-season rental.
Fast-forward to 2025: the Bears are still struggling with pass-rush consistency and are in the market for a cheap addition after losing starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. I floated Judon as a potential option, but the Bears decided to go the younger route by acquiring former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns.
Now, with Judon subject to waivers and potentially available for any team, the price might finally be right for Poles to bring Judon to Chicago. But how much help can he truly offer, and do the Bears really need it?
Are the Bears confident in the newfound pass rush success being sustained?
The Bears are coming off a game in which the defensive front totaled five sacks against the Cleveland Browns. Second-year defensive end Austin Booker led the way with two sacks and has played at a solid level since returning from a preseason knee injury.
However, it’s worth noting that success came against a rookie quarterback in Shedeur Sanders and an offensive line that was down multiple starters at multiple positions up front, hardly a difficult matchup. Even with the big game on Sunday, the Bears still have just 29 sacks on the season.
If the Bears feel Judon can bring a spark, it’s a low-risk move the team should at least consider. Right now, the Bears have one open spot on the 53-man roster but are likely to activate linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, potentially as soon as this week, off the injured reserve. Which means a corresponding move would be required if the Bears decide to add Judon.
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