The Los Angeles Chargers made a significant move last month by re-signing veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack. However, this decision was accompanied by the departure of Joey Bosa, creating a noticeable void in their edge-rushing capabilities. While the Chargers possess the opportunity to address this need through the upcoming NFL Draft, Mark Stolte of Pro Football Network suggests an alternative avenue: the acquisition of available veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon.
Los Angeles Chargers Urged To Sign Matthew Judon
Stolte believes Judon could be an ideal fit for the Chargers’ defensive scheme. “There isn’t enough talent left in free agency for the Los Angeles Chargers to target a defensive tackle. With that being said, they could easily improve the edge rushers on this team by adding Matt Judon to the list of starters,” Stolte wrote.
He further elaborated on the potential tactical alignment, stating, “The Chargers run a base 3-4 defense, which would perfectly slot Judon in as the outside linebacker/edge rusher opposite of Khalil Mack.” This alignment would allow Judon to leverage his experience and skill set alongside an established veteran.
Judon spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, demonstrating his durability by playing in every game. His contributions included 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks, an interception, and an impressive five forced fumbles, indicating he can still be a disruptive force.
The 32-year-old boasts a consistent track record of high-level performance, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections between 2019 and 2022. Notably, he recorded 12.5 and 15.5 sacks in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively, showcasing his ability to be a premier pass rusher in recent years.
Throughout his NFL career, Judon has gained experience with multiple franchises, beginning his journey with the Baltimore Ravens for five seasons before joining the New England Patriots in 2021. The Patriots subsequently traded him to the Falcons prior to the 2024 season.
While acknowledging that Judon might not be at the peak of his dominant pass-rushing form from a few years prior, Stolte points out that his performance with the Falcons last year demonstrated that he still has valuable contributions to make and could be a significant addition to the Chargers’ edge-rushing rotation.
Furthermore, Stolte suggests that the Chargers could potentially sign Judon to a cost-effective one-year deal, making the former fifth-round pick a worthwhile risk with the potential for significant reward in bolstering their pass rush.
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