According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Miami Dolphins have released edge rusher Matthew Judon. The veteran defender will go on waivers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may show some interest. He is well known around the NFL, but he has struggled to produce strong numbers this year.
Perhaps a change of scenery will do him well, especially after the Dolphins lost to Pittsburgh.
Don’t discount the fact that the Steelers just played Miami on Monday night, which could be a factor here. They had all week to watch film on the pass rusher, and that could result in him being claimed by the franchise. He likely wants a chance to play and to join a playoff contender. While Mike Tomlin couldn't commit to that level of promise for long, it could hold up for the rest of the regular season.
With the injury to T.J. Watt and a new issue surrounding Nick Herbig, the black and gold are thin at outside linebacker. Judon is familiar with their scheme and could fill in wherever needed. Don’t be surprised if several teams place claims on the veteran, and the Steelers could easily be among them. They could use some help at the position this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers could add EDGE Matthew Judon to help their banged-up defense
After recent roster moves involving Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers make changes.
Their defense is coming off one of their strongest performances of the season against the Dolphins this past week, and they won't hold up without Herbig and Watt out of the lineup. It would put too much pressure on rookie Jack Sawyer going forward.
Not to say that Sawyer couldn't handle a starting role, but it would be great to have someone like Judon to enter the fold. No one knows exactly how long Watt will be out of the lineup due to his partially collapsed lung, but odds are, he won't be back anytime soon. Herbig doesn't appear to have a season-ending injury, but even if he misses this week, it could produce a troublesome outcome.
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At the end of the day, claiming Judon off waivers won't solve the Steelers' issues. They will still be without Herbig and Watt, but the veteran could serve as a reliable role player. He brings plenty of starting experience and has recorded 72 sacks over his 10-year career. That is a strong number, and it shows that he can attack the pass rusher.
His best days of football appear behind him, but he could have one last hurrah.
If Herbig and Watt are unable to go this week against the Detroit Lions, which seems likely, the Steelers would be wise to add Judon. Even if he's just here to help for a game before one of the top guys returns from injury, it would be a wise move. It's the end of the season, and the chance at the playoffs remains on the line. Pittsburgh has no room for error, and Judon would help them.