Ravens Lose Pass Rusher Matthew Judon to Patriots

The Baltimore Ravens are likely losing one of their top defenders to the New England Patriots.

Ravens outside linebacker Matthew Judon is signing with the Patriots on a four-year, $56 million deal, according to multiple reports.

The contract includes $32 million over the first two seasons, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The #Patriots are signing OLB Matt Judon to a four-year, $56 million contract including $32 million over the first two years, per source. A massive deal for the former #Ravens standout. 💰💰

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021

The 28-year-old Judon has been productive over five seasons in Baltimore, recording 34.5 sacks, 54 tackles-for-loss and seven forced fumbles. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of the last two years.

Judon is the second pass rusher to cash in this free agency cycle, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett, who re-signed on a four-year, $72 million deal of his own.

Both deals may be an indication of what Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree could fetch on the open market.

While he is coming off a season-ending knee injury, Dupree has been just as productive over the last two seasons, and is likely inline for a significant pay day as well.

Free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. on March 17 with the official start of the 2021 league year.