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After five years with the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Judon has left the nest. According to NFL.com Insider Ian Rapoport, the former Raven is signing with the New England Patriots.
The #Patriots have now finalized a deal for #Ravens pass-rusher Matt Judon, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
This comes as a small surprise, seeing as Baltimore wanted to keep Judon around so badly last season they franchise tagged him. However, with the cap space no longer growing, the team was bound to part ways with at least one of their starting pass rushers who became free agents this offseason.
The #Patriots are signing OLB Matt Judon to a four-year, $56 million contract including $32 million over the first two years, per source. A massive deal for the former #Ravens standout.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021
The Patriots end up paying some big money to Judon, as he nets $14 million AAV. He’ll likely also accrue quite a lot of guaranteed money in this deal, seeing as he’s earning $32 million over the first two years, per Tom Pelissero.
Over the course of his five-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, Judon totaled 34.5 sacks, 54 tackles for loss and 103 QB hits. He provided entertainment both on and off the field, with his Twitter taunting of Marlon Humphrey and others. Though fans were both hot and cold on Judon, he was a reliable defensive player for the Ravens and a leader for the locker room. This loss will definitely be felt in 2021, as Judon was an excellent run defender on the edge to combine with his pass rush talents.