Every time a recognizable veteran hits the open market, Lions fans fire up the trade machine like it’s a holiday tradition. And today’s name? Matthew Judon, released by the Miami Dolphins after a disappointing stint.
The #Dolphins are releasing veteran pass rusher Matt Judon, sources tell The Insiders. Judon appeared in 13 games this season for Miami and could be an option for playoff teams looking for a veteran presence. pic.twitter.com/Fq2xAEioLo
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 17, 2025
Let’s just get this out of the way now:
No, the Detroit Lions SHOULD NOT acquire Matthew Judon — and the numbers make the case for us.
Judon’s 2025 Performance Has Been Brutal
If you want the short version: Judon is not even close to the player he used to be.
If you want the long version… buckle up:
Overall PFF Grade: 43.3 (112th out of 112 EDs)
Dead last. As in, literally the worst-graded edge defender in the NFL.
Pass Rush Grade: 47.7 (111th out of 112 EDs)
This one hurts. Judon was once known for terrorizing quarterbacks. Now? He might as well send them a polite holiday card instead.
Run Defense Grade: 54.6 (90th out of 112 EDs)
Even against the run, where aging pass rushers sometimes still contribute, Judon struggled badly.
Total Pressures: 10 (105th out of 112 EDs)
In 13 games. TEN. Aidan Hutchinson had that many by breakfast in September.
Sacks: 0 (110th out of 112 EDs)
That’s right. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Stops: 5 (110th out of 112 EDs)
A “stop” means a play that actually helps the defense. Judon made five of them… all year.
When your defensive ranking board looks like you copy-pasted from the bottom of the Excel sheet, it’s time to accept the truth:
This is not the same Matthew Judon Lions fans once dreamed of adding.
Detroit Already Has Better, Younger Options
The Lions are building an explosive, young front around:
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Tyleik Williams
- Marcus Davenport
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Derrick Barnes & Jack Campbell on pressure packages
Judon doesn’t fit the timeline.
He doesn’t fit the scheme.
And frankly… he doesn’t fit the standard anymore.
Adding Judon would be the free-agency equivalent of putting a Band-Aid on a tire blowout.
Brad Holmes Isn’t Desperate — and He Shouldn’t Be
Detroit doesn’t need a name.
Detroit needs production.
Judon is 33 years old, declining, unproductive, and coming off one of the worst seasons of any edge rusher in football.
This is exactly the kind of move the old Lions would have made.
These Lions?
They’re smarter than that. They’re building something sustainable — something real.
Brad Holmes isn’t in the business of signing players for nostalgia or name recognition.
And Matthew Judon, sadly, is now just a name.
Bottom Line
The Lions need difference-makers.
Matthew Judon, based on every available metric, is not one in 2025.
Detroit should focus on developing its young talent, not handing out retirement-tour snaps to a once-great pass rusher who simply isn’t that guy anymore.
Let some desperate playoff fringe team make the mistake.
The Lions have bigger goals — and better options.
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