Matthew Judon, Dolphins Reportedly Agree to Contract Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

Veteran linebacker Matthew Judon will sign a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously reported the two sides were expected to get a deal done.

Judon, who will be 33 years old when the season begins, is a four-time Pro Bowler over his nine NFL campaigns.

The Baltimore Ravens selected the ex-Grand Valley State star with a fifth-rounder in the 2016 NFL draft. He became a draft day steal for the Ravens, excelling in Baltimore over his five seasons in town. Judon finished his tenure with 34.5 sacks, 103 quarterback hits and 236 tackles.

In the 2021 offseason, Judon signed a four-year, $54.5 million deal as a free agent with the New England Patriots, ending a five-year tenure with the Ravens.

He was fantastic over his first two seasons, amassing 28 sacks, including 15.5 in 2022. Judon also had 53 quarterback hits.

Judon started hot in 2023 with four sacks and four games. Unfortunately, a torn biceps ended his season prematurely.

During the 2024 offseason, the Patriots and Judon couldn't come to terms on a new contract. It's clear that the pass-rusher wasn't happy with his salary (and rightfully so given his production when healthy).

"We have a market set by the highest guy, and then everyone falls in line until the next guy is up to breaks that contract. I was injured all last season, so that's not really where my market is. But I don't think it's $6.5 [million]," Judon told reporters in July 2024 (h/t Matt Geagan of WBZ News). Judon was notably entering the final season of a contract paying him a $6.5 million base salary.

And with that dispute, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Judon from the Patriots in August 2024 for a third-round draft pick.

In 17 games (15 starts) with the Falcons in 2024, Judon amassed 41 tackles, five-and-a-half sacks and nine quarterback hits.

Judon didn't get to the quarterback as often in 2024, but he was still valuable in Atlanta. He finished second on the team in sacks and fourth in quarterback hits.

Ultimately, the 6'3", 275-pound Judon could still be an importance piece for a defense, and Miami is looking to take that chance in hopes he still has something left in the tank.