Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions have made significant progress in transforming their defense into a competitive unit. However, despite the improvements, one glaring issue still remains: the lack of depth at edge rusher.
The problem became even more evident this offseason when the team decided to part ways with veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. With the 2025 NFL Draft still a few weeks away, speculation is growing that Detroit might look toward a seasoned free agent to help fill the void — and one name that stands out is four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon.
Why Matthew Judon Could Be a Smart Addition for the Lions
Judon might not be the same dominant force he was during his peak years, but he still has plenty to offer. Known for his relentless motor and veteran savvy, Judon brings something that can’t be taught — experience. At 31, he remains a physically tough player with a strong locker room presence, two qualities that could be a valuable asset to Detroit’s young and emerging defense.
In 2024, Judon played for the Atlanta Falcons, where he tallied 5.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures across all 17 games. Those numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, but considering he was coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season, his ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently speaks volumes.
With a full year of recovery behind him, there’s reason to believe that Judon could bounce back and rediscover his Pro Bowl form — especially if he gets the opportunity to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, one of the NFL’s rising defensive stars.
Aidan Hutchinson Needs Help
Hutchinson has quickly developed into a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense, producing at a high level week in and week out. However, the burden on him to generate consistent pressure is heavy.
Without a reliable second threat on the opposite edge, opposing offenses can game-plan to neutralize Hutchinson, reducing his overall impact. Bringing in someone like Judon wouldn’t just take pressure off Hutchinson — it could open up the entire defensive front.
Affordable Impact
Another major reason Judon makes sense for the Lions is his projected cost. According to Spotrac, Judon could be signed for a two-year deal worth just $8.4 million — averaging $4.2 million annually.
In today’s NFL, that’s a bargain for a proven pass rusher with multiple Pro Bowl appearances under his belt. More importantly, it allows Detroit to upgrade without putting a strain on their salary cap, preserving flexibility for future roster moves.
Conclusion: Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
At this stage of his career, Judon doesn’t need to be a game-wrecking superstar. What the Lions need is a reliable, experienced defender who can contribute meaningful snaps, help mentor younger players, and come through in key moments — particularly during the playoffs.
For general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, this could be the kind of savvy addition that helps push the Lions from contenders to serious title threats. Signing Judon might not grab headlines, but it could be the missing piece in Detroit’s defensive puzzle.
