Pats sign LB Matt Judon

RG33

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Yup. The cap space is there because the roster had no talent, but now Bill is aggressively injecting talent into the roster. Which is great and shows he was as aware of the team's deficiencies as anyone else. Not much to complain about today!
Yes. Belichick openly talked about this last year. They sold out for Brady to go for SBs. They made 4 in 5 years, winning 3. They were in salary cap hell as a result. The last two years was the outcome of that. The cap space this year (which fortuitously increased in value due to Covid unexpectedly lowering the cap) was always going to be the tool to allow them re-inject talent where most needed.
 

Shelterdog

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Plenty, the most obvious recent one is Za'darius Smith who they let leave for GB and has 26 sacks over the past 2 seasons and has a case as a top 5 defensive player in the league.
Forgot about him and that helps. Looks like the Ravens have a pretty tight cap situation as well.
 

Saints Rest

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I can't say for 100% but my vague recollection is that when I was watching the Pats/Ravens game last fall, they mentioned how Judon would be a FA this year and I thought "I hope the Pats sign him." Then immediately realized that the Pats never sign a guy who impresses me in some random game.
 

Steve Dillard

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Godson is Ravens fan, Call him one of his least favorite home grown players due to the stip club episode. Apparently Judon blackmailed or tried to blackmain a writer about cheating on his wife at a club.
 

BigJimEd

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Yes. Belichick openly talked about this last year. They sold out for Brady to go for SBs. They made 4 in 5 years, winning 3. They were in salary cap hell as a result. The last two years was the outcome of that. The cap space this year (which fortuitously increased in value due to Covid unexpectedly lowering the cap) was always going to be the tool to allow them re-inject talent where most needed.
Exactly. This was always part of the plan.

Plus with the comp pick formula, if you are going to sign several high priced FA, you might as well do it in the same offseason.
 

JM3

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Godson is Ravens fan, Call him one of his least favorite home grown players due to the stip club episode. Apparently Judon blackmailed or tried to blackmain a writer about cheating on his wife at a club.
I just read up on this. I guess Jamison Hensley from ESPN claimed on separate occasions that Judon wanted $20m/year & that the Ravens offered him the contract Z Smith got with the Packers ($16.5m/year) & Judon vehemently denied all of that on Twitter & then on Instagram posted that he would leak photos of Hensley at a strip club if ESPN didn't post a full retraction.

It all seems pretty harmless to me in the general scheme of things.
 

Steve Dillard

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I just read up on this. I guess Jamison Hensley from ESPN claimed on separate occasions that Judon wanted $20m/year & that the Ravens offered him the contract Z Smith got with the Packers ($16.5m/year) & Judon vehemently denied all of that on Twitter & then on Instagram posted that he would leak photos of Hensley at a strip club if ESPN didn't post a full retraction.

It all seems pretty harmless to me in the general scheme of things.
Yes, on the Raven scale, that's a 2.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Godson is Ravens fan, Call him one of his least favorite home grown players due to the stip club episode. Apparently Judon blackmailed or tried to blackmain a writer about cheating on his wife at a club.
Here's the story on that: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/02/24/matthew-judon-threatens-to-leak-photos-of-a-reporter-in-a-strip-club/. There was no comment afterwards but from what I understand, if Judon was serious, it was out of character for him.

I will say that the Ravens' pass rush disappeared at times. Judon was pretty good at a lot of things but not outstanding in any one thing IMO.

And is it just me or does Bill sign a lot of Ravens guys?
 

E5 Yaz

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Signing Judon and resigning Wise ... is Wino on his way out in a trade?
 

Mystic Merlin

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Signing Judon and resigning Wise ... is Wino on his way out in a trade?
If he was, it would be because they don’t like him anymore rather than a snap/resource battle created by adding Judon. Wino is cheap as dirt for the next two years, and you need lots of solid edge players to field a god defense.
 

Saints Rest

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If he was, it would be because they don’t like him anymore rather than a snap/resource battle created by adding Judon. Wino is cheap as dirt for the next two years, and you need lots of solid edge players to field a god defense.
Plus Wino adds a good amount of ST value, which is really useful to have in a guy who has value on regular defense.
 

BornToRun

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Take this for whatever it’s worth, reading Reddit and from Baltimore fans the opinion seems to be that Judon is overrated as a pass rusher but is an elite coverage LB. I know it isn’t hard hitting analysis but figured it’d be worth throwing into the discussion.
 

Mystic Merlin

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But isn't that the knock on Wino? He doesn't do I good job of setting the edge.
By edge, I was referring to where he typically lines up in formation, not the functional responsibility of cutting off/flattening a running back’s running lane to that side or keeping the QB in the natural pocket. He will line up over the guard on some obvious passing downs, but it is obviously not his natural position.
 

Saints Rest

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Take this for whatever it’s worth, reading Reddit and from Baltimore fans the opinion seems to be that Judon is overrated as a pass rusher but is an elite coverage LB. I know it isn’t hard hitting analysis but figured it’d be worth throwing into the discussion.
That would be excellent news. I don't think the Pats have had an elite coverage LB since Roman Phifer.
 

Reggie's Racquet

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By edge, I was referring to where he typically lines up in formation, not the functional responsibility of cutting off/flattening a running back’s running lane to that side. He will line up over the guard on some obvious passing downs, but it is obviously not his natural position.
Thank you for the explanation.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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Take this for whatever it’s worth, reading Reddit and from Baltimore fans the opinion seems to be that Judon is overrated as a pass rusher but is an elite coverage LB. I know it isn’t hard hitting analysis but figured it’d be worth throwing into the discussion.
That's news to me. If hes in coverage, it's out of base package, and cant be all that often. Otherwise they're pulling him off the edge to cover, and that seems a poor plan if he does it too often.

I was under the impression hes a better Kyle Van Noy. Not an elite pass rusher, but can still get to the QB consistently, set the edge, cover the flat and curl flat, etc. Hes not going to get you 15 sacks, but hes going to be good at all the things and edge guy should be good at.
 

vadertime

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Pleasantly surprised on how aggressive the Pats have been. That said, I have to be the turd in the punch bowl on this one.

He's coming off the worst year of his career since his rookie year
His PFF grade was terrible
Ravens blitz more than other teams, inflating statistics
Although I can't remember where I saw it, it said he was more known for pressure, and not finishing... thus he's possibly a product of the Raven's system rather than his own skill.
Saying "they chose me". I don't have a problem with a guy going with the highest bidder, but at least throw the bs line about how great the city or fans are at least that at least shows you want to be here for reasons more than $.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Pleasantly surprised on how aggressive the Pats have been. That said, I have to be the turd in the punch bowl on this one.

He's coming off the worst year of his career since his rookie year
His PFF grade was terrible
Ravens blitz more than other teams, inflating statistics
Although I can't remember where I saw it, it said he was more known for pressure, and not finishing... thus he's possibly a product of the Raven's system rather than his own skill.
Saying "they chose me". I don't have a problem with a guy going with the highest bidder, but at least throw the bs line about how great the city or fans are at least that at least shows you want to be here for reasons more than $.
When players say this I read it more as a holistic thing, not just the money, but making it being made clear to the player that they are a priority, big part of the plans, lynchpin of the offseason, desperately wanted, etc etc. Ya know, all the ego stuff which, yes, does include money.
 

Ferm Sheller

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Them taking him to The Ground Round for dinner is what clinched him coming here.
Rodney went to throw a bowl of peanut shells in the trash and BB grabbed the bowl from him and tossed the shells on the floor and no one said a word. Rodney thought to himself, "I need to work for this bad ass. Does whatever he wants."
 

54thMA

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Rodney went to throw a bowl of peanut shells in the trash and BB grabbed the bowl from him and tossed the shells on the floor and no one said a word. Rodney thought to himself, "I need to work for this bad ass. Does whatever he wants."
I wonder if they sprang for one of those sundaes in a small batting helmet?
 

JM3

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Ngakoue got 2/$26m/$22m.

Interesting comparison point.
 

KingChre

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Ngakoue got 2/$26m/$22m.

Interesting comparison point.
With the caveat that we don't know about other factors involved in his decision (weather, family, irrational hate for the Patriots etc.), I feel pretty confident that I would have preferred Ngakoue at that money.

I'm guessing that Bill puts a greater emphasis on Judon's size, edge setting abilities and scheme versatility and that's why he paid him a lot more.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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With the caveat that we don't know about other factors involved in his decision (weather, family, irrational hate for the Patriots etc.), I feel pretty confident that I would have preferred Ngakoue at that money.

I'm guessing that Bill puts a greater emphasis on Judon's size, edge setting abilities and scheme versatility and that's why he paid him a lot more.
Yeah, I mean, Yannick is basically a rushing specialist. I like him, but theres no doubt Judon is the more complete player.
 

JM3

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With the caveat that we don't know about other factors involved in his decision (weather, family, irrational hate for the Patriots etc.), I feel pretty confident that I would have preferred Ngakoue at that money.

I'm guessing that Bill puts a greater emphasis on Judon's size, edge setting abilities and scheme versatility and that's why he paid him a lot more.
Agree in a vacuum. Judon getting $10m more over the 1st 2 years is not great, but if the last 2 years basically amount to option years at $12m/year, there's more upside on the longer deal, & he possesses more versatility than Ngakoue in terms of Patriots scheme fit.
 

KingChre

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Yeah, I mean, Yannick is basically a rushing specialist. I like him, but theres no doubt Judon is the more complete player.
He is, but a really good one. I am a bit wary of Judon's impact in that area. I'm familiar with his numbers, but I wonder how much of that is a product of Baltimore's blitz heavy scheme.

After thinking on the subject a bit more, I have to think that his ability to set the edge was what primarily drew Bill to him. That was arguably their biggest weakness on D last year and he undoubtedly fills that hole better than Ngakoue. It's a good move, just an expensive one.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Pleasantly surprised on how aggressive the Pats have been. That said, I have to be the turd in the punch bowl on this one.

He's coming off the worst year of his career since his rookie year
His PFF grade was terrible
Ravens blitz more than other teams, inflating statistics
Although I can't remember where I saw it, it said he was more known for pressure, and not finishing... thus he's possibly a product of the Raven's system rather than his own skill.
Saying "they chose me". I don't have a problem with a guy going with the highest bidder, but at least throw the bs line about how great the city or fans are at least that at least shows you want to be here for reasons more than $.
Judon has always had a high pressure rate but it didn't really translate into sacks: https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-patriots-judon-20210315-zlcbkms3e5b5zgrp6r6ge6qtlu-story.html.

As for coverage, BAL did exotic blitzes frequently so LBs had to be able to drop into coverage. BAL had problems covering TEs (and has had this problem for a while); Judon wasn't the best cover LB on the team (Bowser was better) so I don't know how elite he is.

However, I think everyone agrees that he's at least competent or better at all parts of being a LB so I can imagine that versatility is attractive to BB.
 

DJnVa

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Judon has always had a high pressure rate but it didn't really translate into sacks: https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-patriots-judon-20210315-zlcbkms3e5b5zgrp6r6ge6qtlu-story.html.

As for coverage, BAL did exotic blitzes frequently so LBs had to be able to drop into coverage. BAL had problems covering TEs (and has had this problem for a while); Judon wasn't the best cover LB on the team (Bowser was better) so I don't know how elite he is.

However, I think everyone agrees that he's at least competent or better at all parts of being a LB so I can imagine that versatility is attractive to BB.
serms like there was some translation.
View: https://twitter.com/nextgenstats/status/1371539577316462593?s=21
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Its early yet but this signing has been amazing. Its so nice having a player who regularly forces opposing QBs into hurried throws or actually gets to them at high rate.

Echoing rico's post above, its crystal clear why BB wanted this guy.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Its early yet but this signing has been amazing. Its so nice having a player who regularly forces opposing QBs into hurried throws or actually gets to them at high rate.

Echoing rico's post above, its crystal clear why BB wanted this guy.
One more thing on Judon: he has gotten better as the season has gone on, as team has figured out what he can do and he has figured out how to work within the scheme.

I don't know who would be on the list of best Pats free agent signings, but in terms of top line players he has to be at or near the top.
 

Silverdude2167

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One more thing on Judon: he has gotten better as the season has gone on, as team has figured out what he can do and he has figured out how to work within the scheme.

I don't know who would be on the list of best Pats free agent signings, but in terms of top line players he has to be at or near the top.
This is an old article and has some bias to when it was written *cough* Dion Lewis #4 *cough* which is something to keep in mind when evaluating Judon, but so far he has been great.

On this list, you could see him get near the top 5 if he keeps playing as he is for the next few years.
 

tims4wins

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He is the best player on the team in my opinion. And a top two or three big money free agent signing along with Gilmore and Rodney (who wasn’t even really big money).
 

epraz

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Best pass rusher since Chandler. Anyone key in on how he did on run plays in the last couple games? To my eyes, he had some issues keeping the edge early on in the season.
 

Kliq

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On every big passing down I find myself saying to the TV "Got get him Judon!" and more times than not he at least comes close. Been a total joy to see his red sleeves flying around and I dig his sack celebration.
 

Van Everyman

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It’s funny. Adalius Thomas and Roosevelt Colvin have kind of brainwashed Pats fans into thinking BB doesn’t know how to acquire top tier pass rush talent via free agency. In truth, injuries played a role in both players’ mixed legacies with the team.

Colvin had to relearn how to walk after his hip injury – and actually became a pretty productive player for them, just not the disruptor they expected signed. And while Thomas had a disappointing first regular season with the Pats and is remembered for basically shooting his way out of town in 2009, he had an incredible Super Bowl in The Game That Shall Not Be Named and was also terrific in the 2008 season (his WWE-style sack of Favre that season remains a favorite) until he got hurt. When he came back was never the same.

Of course, Gilmore started really slowly as well. Judon is mostly unique in that he seems to have picked up Bill’s system much faster than some of the other high priced guys.
 

PedroKsBambino

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I'd still have Gilmore ahead of him for now as a signing, but that might be the only one.

Judon has been very impressive---hugely impressive on the pass, great motor and consistency, solid on the run as well.

Terrific signing.