49ers make much-needed addition to depleted defensive line as injuries continue to pile up for undefeated San Francisco
34-year-old veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon brings 72 career sacks and familiarity with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’s scheme to a San Francisco defensive line that has been gutted by injuries with no reinforcements yet in sight.
Veteran free agent defensive end Matthew Judon is heading to the 49ers. Judon told All32NFL that he will sign with San Francisco on Monday, giving the team a much-needed body along a defensive front that has been absolutely decimated by injuries this season.
The 49ers’ defensive line has taken hit after hit. Nick Bosa is the most notable name on the shelf, but the list runs deep. Alfred Collins is out. James Thompson Jr. and Romello Height have been banged up. Sam Okuayinonu is out, and so is CJ West. Mykel Williams is working his way back from injury but hasn’t returned yet. San Francisco needs some help, and Judon provides exactly that.
Why Judon chose San Francisco
Judon was part of a group that recently worked out with the 49ers, and when asked why he’s signing with the team, he made it clear this is about stepping in and filling a void.
“With all the injuries piling up over there, I think I can just come in and help until some of them guys get back. I know their D-line coach, I know him well, and he’s a great coach, Coach Kris (Kocurek).β
The familiarity doesn’t stop with the defensive line coach. Judon also has a relationship with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who he played under during his time with the Atlanta Falcons. Judon had nothing but praise for Morris.
“Rah is a big old kid. He loves the game of football and he knows a lot about it. I feel like we didn’t get a long enough stint together.”
That connection matters. Judon already knows Morris’s scheme, which means the ramp-up period should be shorter than it would be for a typical midseason addition. And that’s a big deal for a team that needs contributions right now.
What to realistically expect from Judon
Now, I think it’s important to temper expectations here. Judon is 34 years old with 72 career sacks, so the resume speaks for itself. He’s been a productive pass rusher for a long time. With Morris in Atlanta during the 2024 season, Judon put up 5.5 sacks, which is solid production.
But last season with the Miami Dolphins, Judon did not record a single sack in 13 games. That was the first sackless season of his career. At his age, the statistical production may not be what it once was.
Is he going to come in and replace Nick Bosa’s production? Obviously not. But that’s not what this signing is about. This is about having a veteran presence, an extra body who understands the scheme and can hold things together until guys like Bosa and Mykell Williams get healthy. Judon may only play 10-15 snaps a game, but that can be very valuable for San Francisco.
Sometimes the smartest moves aren’t the flashy ones.
A move that makes sense for San Francisco
Look, when you’re a team dealing with this many injuries along your defensive front, you can’t just sit around and wait for everyone to get healthy. The 49ers needed to act, and bringing in a guy with Judon’s experience and his familiarity with Raheem Morris’s defense is about as logical a signing as you’ll find this time of year.
The 49ers moved to 3-0 and 2-0 in the NFC West with their 36-30 victory today over the Arizona Cardinals. They have had an excellent September on the field in most aspects, but as it relates to injuries it has been a disaster. This team is clearly capable of another postseason run. Itβs almost imperative they have the guys to take them there.Β
I think Judon is going to provide some stability for San Francisco’s defensive line while the cavalry works its way back. He may not light up the stat sheet, but that’s not the point. The 49ers needed a bridge, and Matthew Judon fits the bill.
