The Detroit Lions are showing interest in a multiple-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have discussed signing free agent edge rusher Matthew Judon.
“The Lions have had dialogue about signing four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon, a free agent West Bloomfield High and Grand Valley State product who had 5½ sacks for the Atlanta Falcons last season,” Birkett wrote.
Judon had a lackluster 2025 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons, as the veteran posted 5.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures in 17 games. The 32-year-old hit the free agency market in March and has yet to sign with the team as August nears.
Detroit doesn’t have another high-level pass rusher on the roster outside of Aidan Hutchinson. Though Marcus Davenport and rookie sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein could be impact players, adding an experienced pass rusher like Judon would be a savvy move.
A few years ago, in 2022, Judon posted 15.5 sacks and was one of the most prolific edge rushers in the sport. Though he is no longer an elite player, the four-time Pro Bowler could still be a valuable rotational piece on the Lions’ defensive line.
Additionally, the former undrafted free agent should be cheap to sign. Spotrac projects Judon will land a two-year deal worth $8.4 million, which is an average annual salary of $4.2 million. Detroit still has $48 million in cap space, so general manager Brad Holmes has the money to add Judon to the roster.
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