Chiefs Are The Possible ‘Destination’ for Former $54m Pass Rusher

This summer, the Kansas City Chiefs will most likely be focused on the development of 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

With Charles Omenihu recovering from surgery, he has the opportunity to step up to a larger position.

If not, the Chiefs may still attempt to add another veteran to the edge rusher position, joining George Karlaftis and Mike Danna. One potential trade target could be New England Patriots star pass rusher Matthew Judon.

On May 18, Bleacher Report analyst Matt Holder identified Judon as a veteran who clubs “should pursue” and suggested that the Chiefs are a “potential trade destination” for him.

“Matthew Judon turns 32 years old before the regular season starts and only has one year left on his contract,” Holder stated. “Given that, his fit with the rebuilding New England Patriots is unclear, and the organization should give more reps to Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings. Also, Judon would certainly want to play for a playoff contender at this point.”

Judon signed a $54.5 million contract in 2021, earning $32.5 million prior to renegotiation. He earned an additional $14 million in 2023 and currently has a cap of more than $14.675 million in 2024.

“Kansas City isn’t quite as flush with cash ($16.1 million) but they could still afford Judon and they have a spot for him on the edge, especially if Charles Omenihu isn’t ready to begin the regular season,” Holder argued in support of the move. “Also, Chris Jones and the Patriot would be a fearsome duo for the back-to-back champs.”

Matthew Judon Would Bring Pro Bowl Resume to Chiefs

Judon may be familiar to Kansas City fans from his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, but he truly rose to prominence in New England over the last three seasons.

Before fracturing his bicep in 2023, Judon had 32 sacks in just 38 games with the Patriots. He also has 33 tackles for a loss and 62 quarterback hits throughout that time, according to Pro Football Reference.

Judon was selected to the Pro Bowl during his first two seasons in New England. Which won four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022. The injury brought an end to the run in 2023.

Having saying that, Judon has been one of the most prolific pass rushers in recent seasons.

According to Pro Football Focus, Judon rated in the top ten for quarterback pressures in 2021 and 2022. He was credited with 63 pressures in 2021 and an additional 69 the following season.

Judon also played a considerable number of defensive snaps in those two years, totaling 510 in 2021 and 553 in 2022. So, if the Chiefs pursued this type of trade, they would gain a legitimate starting defensive end.

Later in the year, Omenihu could assist lighten the pressure when he returns.

Is a Matthew Judon Trade Within the Chiefs’ Budget?

Let’s imagine the Patriots decide to sell Judon, as Holder mentioned, the Chiefs’ interest will be determined by a few criteria.

The first would be a budget. According to the Bleacher Report writer, Kansas City could accommodate Judon, but it would be a tight fit.

Having said that, the Chiefs may open up more room if younger players emerge throughout training camp. Cutting veteran wide receiver Justin Watson would save $2.77 million after June 1, for example. Some have proposed tight end Noah Gray as a trade candidate, which could free up $3.116 million.

Other options include remaining contract restructures, as well as lesser-known roster cuts that add up. In that vein, Kansas City recently dismissed veteran running back La’Mical Perine on May 17, resulting in small savings.

The second aspect is need. As previously noted, Anudike-Uzomah’s progress will be important in this debate. Omenihu’s health, BJ Thompson’s development, and the Chiefs’ overall belief in younger players like Malik Herring and Truman Jones will all play a role.