Should the Bears trade for Matthew Judon?

The New England Patriots and superstar pass rusher Matthew Judon have been entwined in a contract-related standoff this offseason. Judon skipped the majority of the Patriots’ voluntary offseason program, but ultimately decided to attend mandatory minicamp to avoid fines. With training camp in less than two weeks, the Chicago Bears should be paying close attention to his situation, and if he’s a potential candidate to be traded.

Judon is entering the final year of his contract. He’s scheduled to earn a $6.5 million base salary in 2024 with zero guaranteed money remaining on his deal. The soon-to-be-32-year-old Judon recorded just 4.0 sacks last season after suffering a season-ending biceps injury in Week 4. The Patriots are understandably hesitant to offer him a lucrative multi-year extension given his advancing age and recent injury.

Latest report on Matthew Judon particularly concerning for Patriots https://t.co/KGZjIrJNu8 pic.twitter.com/tQBry0QPIj

— The Patriots Wire (@Patriots_Wire) July 15, 2024

The Bears should be mindful of those circumstances as well, though there’s no denying Judon would serve as a massive upgrade opposite Montez Sweat. The Bears are currently relying on DeMarcus Walker and fifth-round rookie Austin Booker to produce in that spot. Judon would quickly turn a weakness into a strength.

General manager Ryan Poles should at least inquire about the Patriots’ asking price, if one exists. If a day-three draft selection would tempt the Patriots, the Bears could maybe justify that as a one-year rental price in exchange for Judon. After all, the aggressive Bears are considered legitimate postseason contenders this season.

Poles could also consider reworking Judon’s deal to include more guarantees or incentives in 2024. The Bears currently possess $21.5 million in “effective cap space,” according to Over The Cap. They’re also projected to have $61.3 million in financial flexibility next offseason, though a potentially pending extension for Keenan Allen, another veteran acquired via trade this offseason, should be taken into consideration.

Poles may also be hesitant to commit a significant amount of money to another edge defender with Sweat carrying a cap charge larger than $25 million from 2024 through 2027. That’s probably why Poles is attempting to build the position through the draft, hence the selection of Booker.

Warning signs indicate Judon may be regressing. If the former fifth-round selection recaptures his health and form this year though, he’d quickly be the best or second-best pass rusher on the Bears. Poles should consider acquiring Judon by finding out his and the Patriots’ asking prices.