There is still time for the Chicago Bears to make the high-end pass-rushing improvements that many had anticipated they would during the 2024 offseason, given trade speculations involving Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots.
Before making his way back to practice last week, Judon caused a stir during the first few weeks of the Patriots training camp by momentarily holding in and engaging in a heated on-field altercation with head coach Jerod Mayo. The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is still looking for a new deal that would take him above his projected $6.5 million salary in 2024, though, even though he has returned.
While Judon’s impasse with the organization persists, the Patriots have reportedly received trade queries regarding him from “multiple teams,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The article itself gives validity to the idea that New England could deal him before the new season, even if the NFL insider did not confirm which clubs expressed interest.
The Bears “could be suitors” to add Judon to their developing defense in 2024, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who suggested the Bears package two draft selections in a trade to entice Judon away should the Patriots confirm such suspicions and put him on the trading block.
On August 12, Knox made a presentation that said, “Adding Judon as a high-end complement to [Montez] Sweat could transform the Bears from playoff hopefuls to legitimate NFC North threats.” Chicago might choose Judon over [Haason] Reddick because of his potential lower price.
“Judon, 31, just suffered a biceps tear that ended the season. Additionally, the rebuilding Patriots might be more receptive to an offer that revolves only around draft capital.
The benefits and drawbacks of the Bears acquiring Judon are quite simple to understand. In his previous two healthy seasons (2021 and 2022), he recorded 28 sacks, 132 pressures, and 120 tackles combined. However, he is almost 32 years old and is seeking a raise.
However, the Bears have done similar things in the past. They were willing to chase defensive end improvements, as seen by the Sweat trade, but their offseason acquisition of wide receiver Keenan Allen may be a more accurate analogy.
Despite the fact that Allen would age 32 before the 2024 season began, the Bears traded one of their two 2024 fourth-round picks to the Los Angeles Chargers on March 14, choosing to invest in his longevity rather than risk it. The Bears took this action even though they knew Allen would carry a hefty $23.1 million 2024 salary cap hit.
To be fair, Allen had a far stronger season in 2023—he caught 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven scores in just 13 games—than Judon did. The Bears believed that Caleb Williams might benefit greatly from Allen’s experience and mentoring.
“Judon, 31, just suffered a biceps tear that ended the season. Additionally, the rebuilding Patriots might be more receptive to an offer that revolves only around draft capital.
Following a mild, non-specific ailment that limited his training camp activities to stretching and rehabilitation, the 27-year-old had not practiced since the end of July.
