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5 hours ago
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The Detroit Lions have yet to replace edge rusher Za'Darius Smith since releasing him in March. The team lacks starting-caliber talent in the position group outside of Aidan Hutchinson.
Though a reunion with Smith is definitely on the table for Detroit, Pro Football Network's Jacob Infante also believes the Lions could sign Matthew Judon.
Infante also believes Judon could return to the New England Patriots or sign with the Chicago Bears.
"A reunion with the Patriots could make sense, while other teams in need of pass rush help, like the Lions and Bears, would be wise to look his way," Infante wrote.
Judon spent the 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons, tallying 5.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures in 17 games.
The 32-year-old wasn't as effective as Atlanta hoped after they traded for him before the season, which led to the Falcons not retaining Judon after the season.
Though he didn't live up to expectations in 2024, Judon could still be a solid contributor on the defensive line for a playoff team. The Lions need any help they can get in the pass-rushing department, so adding the four-time Pro Bowler on a cheap deal would be a logical move from general manager Brad Holmes.
Judon has been subpar over the last two seasons, but the former Day 3 pick is just a few years removed from a 15.5 sack campaign with the Patriots in 2022. The veteran could recapture that form in Detroit, or at least provide some production as a complementary pass rusher opposite Hutchinson.
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