According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Miami Dolphins could be open to parting ways with one of their veteran edge rushers before the trade deadline — and it might be a name few expected.
While much of the focus has centered on Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Fowler reports that Matthew Judon is the player generating the most trade buzz. The Dolphins reportedly aren’t looking to make a fire sale, but they are listening to offers for Judon, who could draw attention from multiple playoff contenders in need of defensive depth.
Among those potential suitors are the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys — three teams that have all experienced varying degrees of trouble generating consistent edge pressure this season.
In Detroit, the Lions’ pass rush has leaned heavily on Aidan Hutchinson, while rotational help has been limited. Al-Quadin Muhammad has filled in admirably but isn’t viewed as a long-term solution, and Marcus Davenport’s lingering injury issues have further thinned the group. Adding a veteran presence like Judon could give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more flexibility down the stretch.
The Eagles, meanwhile, lost key rotational depth when Za’Darius Smith retired, and though Brandon Graham has returned, the unit still lacks the disruptive edge threat needed to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. With Howie Roseman’s reputation for making bold midseason moves, Philadelphia could easily jump into the mix.
As for the Cowboys, their defense has struggled since trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush, once the team’s biggest strength, has become a glaring weakness as Dallas continues to rank near the bottom of the league in sacks. Bringing in a seasoned pass rusher like Judon could help stabilize things.
While the 33-year-old hasn’t produced at his previous Pro Bowl level — logging no sacks and just five quarterback pressures so far this season — he’s only played about 32% of Miami’s defensive snaps. With more opportunities and a defined role on a contending team, Judon could still offer valuable production as a situational rusher.
Judon likely wouldn’t cost much in trade compensation — perhaps a late-round pick or a simple pick swap — making him an affordable gamble for teams seeking experienced depth along the edge. He may no longer be a premier pass rusher, but as a rotational piece, he could still make an impact for defenses looking to bolster their playoff chances.
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