By Moses Joshua 
Veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon could be the low-risk, high-upside move that playoff contenders need to bolster their defenses before the trade deadline.
Three Contenders, One Common Problem
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, several contenders find themselves staring at the same defensive dilemma — a need for more pressure off the edge. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Miami Dolphins may hold the solution.
“The Dolphins might not be moving a bunch of players at the deadline,” Fowler reported, “but they are open to trading pass rusher Matthew Judon. He’s the name I keep hearing when it comes to their rushers.”
With Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips commanding most of the attention in Miami, Judon has become the odd man out — but that could work in favor of teams like the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, all of whom are searching for pass-rush reinforcements without breaking the bank.
Why Detroit, Philly, and Dallas Are in Play
For the Lions, the need is straightforward. While Aidan Hutchinson continues to perform at an elite level, Detroit’s rotation behind him is paper thin. Al-Quadin Muhammad has been serviceable but limited, and Marcus Davenport’s injury issues have again landed him on injured reserve. Adding a reliable veteran like Judon would immediately boost depth and experience on the defensive front.
The Eagles face a similar challenge. The unexpected retirement of Za’Darius Smith and the gradual return of veteran Brandon Graham have left Philadelphia’s pass rush thinner than usual. General manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from opportunistic deadline moves, and Judon could fit that bill as an affordable rotational piece.
Then there’s Dallas — a defense still reeling from the offseason trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Without his game-wrecking presence, the Cowboys have struggled to generate consistent pressure, leading to one of the league’s most disappointing defensive performances this season. A veteran injection like Judon could stabilize things quickly.
A Veteran Gamble Worth Taking
At 33, Matthew Judon isn’t the dominant force he once was. He’s logged no sacks and only five pressures this season, largely because he’s played just 32% of defensive snaps. However, Judon’s track record — including four Pro Bowl selections — suggests there’s still gas left in the tank, especially if he joins a system that can maximize his limited reps.
More importantly, his price tag is minimal. As Fowler noted, Judon’s market value could be as low as a late Day 3 pick or simple pick swap, making him one of the most economical options available. For contenders like Detroit, Philadelphia, or Dallas, that’s a low-risk move for potentially high rotational value.
A Smart Depth Move Before the Stretch Run
No team would expect Judon to be their defensive savior — those days are likely behind him. But as a second or third pass-rush option, he still offers reliability, veteran savvy, and leadership to young locker rooms gearing up for a playoff push.
Even with limited production, Judon represents something every contender craves at this time of year: experience and depth. For teams trying to patch defensive holes without mortgaging their future, the Dolphins’ veteran pass-rusher could prove to be the sneaky deadline steal ESPN predicted.