The Chicago Bears did not make the high-profile pass-rushing upgrades that many anticipated for the 2024 offseason, but there’s still a chance for change amid trade speculation surrounding New England Patriots star Matthew Judon.
Judon created headlines in the early weeks of Patriots training camp when he briefly held out and had a heated exchange with head coach Jerod Mayo before returning to practice last week. Despite his return, Judon is seeking a new contract with a salary higher than the $6.5 million he is set to earn in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have fielded trade inquiries about Judon from “multiple teams,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. While the specific teams interested were not disclosed, the rumors suggest that New England might consider trading him before the season starts.
If the Patriots decide to trade Judon, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox speculates that the Bears could be interested in acquiring him to bolster their defense. Knox proposed a potential trade involving two draft picks to bring Judon to Chicago:
**Bears Receive:** Edge Matthew Judon
**Patriots Receive:** 2025 Fifth-Round Pick, 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
Knox suggests that adding Judon as a top-tier complement to Montez Sweat could elevate the Bears from playoff hopefuls to serious NFC North contenders. He also notes that Judon’s price might be more favorable than Haason Reddick’s.
At 31 years old and coming off a season-ending biceps injury, Judon is a significant investment. However, his previous performance—28 sacks, 132 pressures, and 120 tackles over his last two healthy seasons—demonstrates his impact. The Bears’ past moves, like trading for Keenan Allen, show their willingness to invest in seasoned players with high productivity, despite their age.
Judon, who had a standout 15.5-sack season in 2022 and was on a strong start in 2023 before his injury, could bring a similar boost to the Bears’ defense if they decide to make the move.
Regarding current roster updates, the Bears received positive news about Montez Sweat. He returned to practice in a limited capacity on August 13 and participated in individual drills. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington expressed confidence that Sweat will be ready for the Week 1 game against the Tennessee Titans, despite his recent injury.
