In his inaugural season as head coach of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel has made it clear that bolstering the team’s defense is his top priority. The Patriots went all-in during free agency, securing major defensive upgrades with high-profile signings. Leading the charge was defensive tackle Milton Williams, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, who became the highest-paid player in Patriots history with a four-year, $104 million contract. Not far behind, Vrabel and football director Elliot Wolf inked former Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III to a three-year, $60 million deal, complete with incentive clauses, making him the second-most expensive acquisition of 2025.
Defensive Struggles Demand Action
Despite these bold moves, the Patriots’ defense still has glaring weaknesses, particularly in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Last season, New England recorded a league-low 28 sacks and ranked second-to-last with just 66 quarterback hits. These deficiencies allowed opposing QBs to operate with relative ease, exposing a critical area for improvement in 2025. To address this, the Patriots are now considering a surprising reunion with a former star who could revitalize their pass rush.
A Familiar Face: Matthew Judon’s Potential Return
Bleacher Report writer and former Green Bay Packers reserve quarterback Kurt Benkert has floated the idea of bringing back four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Matthew Judon. Originally signed by then-coach Bill Belichick in 2021 from the Baltimore Ravens, Judon was a force in New England, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022. He posted a career-high 12.5 sacks in his first season with the Patriots, surpassing that with an impressive 15.5 sacks the following year.
However, Judon’s tenure took a turn in 2023 when a torn biceps limited him to just four games, during which he still managed four sacks. His absence contributed to the Patriots’ dismal 4-13 record, which led to Belichick’s departure. After the season, Judon sought a contract extension but was met with resistance from the team. Tensions boiled over during the 2024 training camp, where he engaged in heated discussions with then-coach Jerod Mayo and other team officials. Frustrated, Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he vowed to play with a “vendetta.” However, his 2024 season yielded only 5.5 sacks—his lowest full-season total since his rookie year in 2016.
A Team-Friendly Deal on the Horizon?
Now a free agent after completing his four-year, $54.5 million contract with the Patriots, Judon could be an economical yet high-upside addition for New England. Benkert, speaking on the Bleacher Report NFL Daily podcast, suggested, “I think they could use a little more edge help. Matt Judon got paid a little bit. He can go back on a team-friendly deal. Vrabel’s got the culture back. Matt Judon liked the culture before. … Bring Matt Judon back to the Patriots.”
Brett Alper of the Chat Sports Patriots Today podcast echoed this sentiment, though he acknowledged potential awkwardness due to Judon’s contentious exit. “I would love to bring Red Sleeves back,” Alper said, referencing Judon’s signature bright red sleeves worn under his uniform. “He was one of my favorite players. I would do it on a one-year deal, but he would have to probably apologize to Elliot Wolf.”
High Risk, High Reward
Given Judon’s injury history and recent dip in production, the Patriots could likely secure him on a short-term, cost-effective contract. If he returns to his Pro Bowl form, the move could significantly boost New England’s pass rush and overall defensive performance. However, mending fences with the front office and navigating the fallout from his dramatic departure will be key to making this reunion work.
As Vrabel continues to reshape the Patriots’ defense, re-signing Judon could be the blockbuster move that reignites the team’s edge—both literally and figuratively. Will the drama of the past give way to a triumphant return, or will old wounds prove too deep? Only time will tell as New England looks to reclaim its defensive dominance in 2025.