The Bears must call the Patriots immediately to negotiate an apparent trade
New England's reluctance with Matthew Judon: A ticking clock for the Patriots and Bears.
The New England Patriots have been proactive this offseason, securing the futures of many from their roster. However, standout edge rusher Matthew Judon finds himself increasingly isolated in contract talks, a surprising twist given his significant contributions. Despite the Patriots' offer, reported by FOX Sports' Henry McKenna, negotiations with Judon are at a standstill, with both parties far from agreement.
With the 2024 season on the horizon, Judon is set to earn a modest $6.5 million�arguably a steal for New England, considering his on-field impact relative to the current market for his position. This financial disparity casts doubt on the Patriots' willingness to meet his expectations. Meanwhile, other NFL teams, notably the Chicago Bears, are poised to capitalize on New England's hesitancy.
Chicago's pursuit of a formidable pass rusher has been public, with head coach Matt Eberflus openly yearning to enhance their defensive line. The aim is to pair a new talent with Pro Bowler Montez Sweat to create a dynamic defensive duo. Despite these ambitions, the Bears have made little progress this offseason in bolstering their pass rush, making Judon an ideal target.
The Bears' front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, should be actively seeking negotiations with New England. Although the Patriots have not explicitly put Judon on the trading block, the lack of progress in contract talks suggests that a trade could be the next logical step.
Acquiring Judon could significantly boost Chicago's defense, pairing him with Sweat to form a potent force against opposing offenses. Given that Judon is in the final year of his contract, the cost for such a trade might be more affordable than usual.
Despite a challenging season marred by a severe bicep injury limiting him to just four games, Judon's track record is impressive. His 32 sacks since 2021 place him among the top ten in the NFL during that period. His ability to disrupt the game has not gone unnoticed, and his recent cryptic tweet might be a strategic move to escalate contract negotiations.
As the clock ticks down to the new season, both the Patriots and Bears are at a critical juncture. For New England, the decision to hold onto or trade Judon could define their defensive capabilities this year. For the Bears, seizing the opportunity to bring a player of Judon's caliber on board could be the missing piece in their defensive puzzle. Either way, the outcome will significantly impact both teams' strategies and success in the coming season.
Source: FansidedBears need to get on the phone with Patriots right now for obvious trade
| POLL | ||
10 JUILLET | 60 ANSWERS The Bears must call the Patriots immediately to negotiate an apparent trade Should the Bears trade for Matthew Judon? | ||
| Yes | 39 | 65 % |
| No | 21 | 35 % |
| List of polls | ||
