One of the consistent frustrations for the Detroit Lions in the 2025 season was a lack of pass-rushing depth. Aidan Hutchinson had 14.5 sacks to go along with Al-Quadin Muhammad's 11.0 sacks, this is where the Lions' pass rush ended. Detroit's next leading sack artist is linebacker Jack Campbell, who managed only five sacks on the season, pointing to the team's lack of depth when it comes to getting to the quarterback. All of this is to explain why recently released free agent Matthew Judon could be a fit worth keeping a close eye on.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Judon has officially hit free agency after his contract from the Buffalo Bills' practice squad expired after the team was eliminated. This gives the Lions a name to keep an eye on, and at least it is worth a phone call to Judon's agent. Judon is still only 33 and had 5.5 sacks in the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. While this total isn't overwhelming, it would be good enough to be the third-leading sack artist on Detroit's 2025 roster.
Rewinding just a bit further, Judon had double-digit sacks in both the 2021 and 2022 season totaling 18.0 sacks in the two years combined. This is the type of ceiling you hope that Judon could find once again playing behind the talent of Hutchinson. It is at least worth monitoring the situation as the veteran's career continues to fall in the wrong direction.
Lions Are Perfect Landing Spot for Struggling Pass Rusher Matthew Judon
Judon spent the 2025 season as a member of the Miami Dolphins before being waived and landing on Buffalo's practice squad as an emergency option. It is clear that Judon isn't close to the player he has been previously, but the Lions are in no position to be picky when it comes to adding to the pass rush. A limited budget demands that the franchise search for low-cost, high-upside fits, and Judon unquestionably qualifies as such.
The defender has previously been a premier pass rusher in this league and now can be signed for comparative pennies. Detroit is taking next to no risk and bringing in an experienced option that fans hope will have a chance to rediscover his past form. It is at least worth an early offseason phone call as the Lions begin to search for ways to improve an underwhelming defense.
Further reason for the signing is the fact that Muhammad is slated to hit free agency and leaves Detroit with only Hutchinson as a currently rostered pass-rushing option. A position that struggled last season could get worse if the pending free agent isn't re-signed, offering a sense of urgency to search for every possible improvement. This includes Judon, who is exactly the type of move the Lions need to make to have a chance to improve an underwhelming unit.