The New England Patriots sure are making the most of their ample cap space.
The Patriots began the informal tampering period by agreeing to terms with tight end Jonnu Smith and nose tackle Davon Godchaux. They have now added another defensive piece, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting an agreement has been reached with free-agent edge rusher Matt Judon.
The #Patriots have now finalized a deal for #Ravens pass-rusher Matt Judon, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the deal is four years for $56 million, with over $32 million in the first two seasons.
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
Judon is the kind of defensive asset that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would seem to salivate over.
The former Baltimore Ravens standout was a top playmaker for one of the deepest defensive fronts in all of football. Judon did not quite match his 2019 production when he totaled 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. However, he still had 6.0 sacks and 21 quarterback hits making the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season.
New England is clearly getting busy in an effort to get back to the playoffs in 2021. Judon should be a huge asset for a front seven that struggled in 2020 following the losses of Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.
The Patriots are not done, signing former Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills to a four-year deal.
More for the Patriots: Former Eagles DB Jalen Mills to the Patriots on a 4-year, $24 million deal including $9M guaranteed, @DrewJRosenhaus tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
The Patriots have been extremely active so far, but they are still in the market for a free-agent wideout. Belichick and Co. are getting very aggressive in adding significant pieces on both sides of the ball. Judon might be the crown jewel of them all.