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New England Patriots

Matthew Judon still attempting to recruit former Patriots to return

Tim Crowley April 11th

Matthew Judon has been no stranger to attempting to lure free agents to the Patriots throughout the 2022 off-season. The New England linebacker joined Jonathan Jones on Sunday to work towards a possible reunion with cornerback with Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore spent four full seasons and won a Super Bowl in New England, before a 2021 contract dispute ultimately led to a trade that sent him to Carolina. However, the Patriots have shown an ability to settle past issues, based on their reunion with cornerback Malcolm Butler on a two-year deal. Other former Patriots, such as defensive end Trey Flowers, also remain on the free-agent market as possible pickups for New England.

In eight games with Carolina last season, Gilmore made his fifth Pro Bowl, along with two interceptions and two passes defended.

Matthew Judon's recruiting list

  • The recruiting list for Matthew Judon, so far, is headlined by some seriously high-end talents who remain available entering Thursday. He struck out on Chandler Jones, who signed with the Raiders, and D.J. Chark, who joined the Lions. But there’s still a chance Judon’s recruitment “pays off” for the Pats.

  • Bobby Wagner

    The former Seahawks linebacker remains one of the premier players at his position in the NFL, and based on the money being thrown around, he’s due for a nice payday. Judon wasted no time tweeting at Wagner soon after he was released, then circling back six days later.

    The Pats appear to be moving toward a youth movement at linebacker, but Wagner would be an excellent fit for Bill Belichick and a Patriots defense in need of game-changing talent.

  • Allen Robinson

    The former Bears receiver could be another notable free agent set to cash in. Lesser receivers, like Christian Kirk, have signed for ridiculous money. But it can’t hurt for Judon to ask him what’s up. Robinson would be a true No. 1 pass-catcher for the Patriots, and make the likes of Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers better by drawing attention in coverage.

    Hopefully, Judon’s offer to Robinson wouldn’t be the same one Don Corleone made to Jack Woltz. That would be excessive.

  • Julio Jones

    The Titans released the veteran former All-Pro receiver on Wednesday. It’s unclear how much he has left in the tank, or how close he still is to being a true No. 1 receiver. But he’d be an exciting addition for Patriots fans, for sure. We’ll see if Judon can sell him on Mac Jones, like he tried with the above tweet.

  • Tyrann Mathieu

    The “Honey Badger” doesn’t seem as likely a target for the Patriots, who are pretty well-stocked at safety with Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, and Adrian Phillips. But why not reach out? This look from Mr. Miyagi screams, “Patriots?! Heh?!”

  • Stephon Gilmore AND Casey Hayward

    Judon is even reaching out to a former teammate. It doesn’t seem likely that Stephon Gilmore would go right back to the Patriots after being traded during the 2021 season, which came after he reportedly had issues with his contract. But you’d think the team would welcome Gilmore back on the right deal. Hayward, meanwhile, can still start in the NFL, and has versatility in man and zone coverage.

  • Michael Pierce

    Pierce is a former teammate of Judon’s with the Baltimore Ravens. The Vikings recently released the 29-year-old nose tackle, who seems like a guy Belichick would know how to use and put in a position to succeed. This is a guy where you think the recruiting process could actually work.

  • Success?

    PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots reacts after the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

    PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 19: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots reacts after the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

    The Patriots haven’t signed anyone from Judon’s recruiting list, as of this writing on Thursday. But if they did, man, would that be epic. For now, Judon is just having fun with it, even if the Twitter pitches haven’t quite worked out.

 

NEXT… Patriots draft preview: Defensive line

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