A Four-Time Pro Bowler Added to the Saints Roster?
The rivalry between two powerful characters makes an incredible story. You may find it difficult to cheer for one when their advantages offset the other’s vulnerabilities. When you ask New Orleans Saints’ fans who their team’s greatest rivalry is, most of them will tell you it’s the Atlanta Falcons. Their rival should be in another division, but year after year, there’s always a close competition between them for the leader of the NFC South Division. In order to increase their advantage this season, the Saints should look into acquiring a player from their rival. Instead of looking into another offensive player, the Saints could strengthen their outstanding defense by signing former Falcon and current free agent DE Matt Judon.
Mr. Judon began his NFL career when he was drafted in the fifth round in 2016 and was later signed to a four-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. During his five seasons with the Ravens, he started in 49 of the 76 games as a linebacker in his rookie season and then as a right outside linebacker in his remaining years. In the 14 games of his rookie season, he had 12 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, and four sacks. During his 2017 to 2020 seasons, he would go on to add a combined 155 solo tackles, 54 assisted tackles, and 30.5 sacks. Matt’s season stats for 2019 and 2020 would be high enough to earn him Pro Bowl honors for each year. His time in Baltimore would come to a close in mid-March of 2021 when he signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots. During the 17 games he played and started 16 of them as a left outside linebacker, he would have 38 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, and 12.5 sacks. Due to these stats, he would again earn Pro Bowl honors for the third consecutive year, which is incredible for his first year on a different team. His sophomore year in New England would again result in a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl honor due to having 36 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, and 15.5 sacks as a result of starting in 15 of the 17 games he played. Mr. Judon appeared to be on the path to another successful season in 2023 as a linebacker; however, in Week Four, he tore his lower bicep and was placed on the injured reserve list for the remainder of the season. His time as a Patriot came to an end in mid-August of 2024 when he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. Although his stats for the recent season weren’t as high as they were in the past, he was able to start in 15 of the 17 games he played and acquire 25 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, and five and a half sacks.
After his experiences on three defensive lines throughout his nine years in the NFL, this four-time Pro Bowler would be a great addition to the Saints. If he is signed as part of the team in New Orleans, Matt Judon has the potential to drastically improve their defense. He would have the support of 14-year veteran player DE Cameron Jordan, six-year veteran Carl Granderson, and two-season veterans Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd. As opposed to the young and inexperienced QBs who have recently been signed onto the team, 32-year-old Mr. Judon won’t feel old among the 28 to 35 age range of his defensive teammates. DE Matt Judon’s experience on the Saints’ rival will make him invaluable during the two games they will play against each other in the second half of the season.
