The Washington Commanders shocked everyone in the 2024 season, going from holding the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft to reaching the NFC championship game, where they ultimately fell to the Super Bowl 59 champion Philadelphia Eagles. With 12 wins and the emergence of Jayden Daniels as a true franchise quarterback, the year marked a dramatic turnaround for the franchise.
But if Washington wants to take the next step in 2025, the defense still needs reinforcements, and there are moves to be made in free agency. PFSN’s Brandon Austin listed one free agent each team could still sign before the season starts, and for the Commanders, his pick was a veteran defender and four-time Pro Bowler.
Commanders Predicted To Sign Matthew Judon Ahead of 2025 Season
The 2024 season couldn’t have gone any better for the Commanders. After years of dysfunction, the team finished second in the NFC and now enters 2025 with expectations far higher than the previous year. The continued development of Daniels could push Washington into the league’s upper echelon.
The arrivals of Dan Quinn as head coach and Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator brought much-needed stability to the franchise. With Quinn’s defensive mindset, a second year of work could help elevate a defense that struggled at key moments, especially in the NFC championship game, where they failed to stop star running back Saquon Barkley.
One way to improve the unit is by adding a new presence along the defensive line. Right now, the most logical target for Washington is veteran Matt Judon, entering his 10th NFL season. Most recently with the Atlanta Falcons, Judon’s stint there wasn’t particularly memorable.
Coming off an injury that limited him to just four games in 2023, it’s clear Judon is no longer in peak form. However, on a defensive front that needs reinforcements — even if just for depth — his skill set still holds value.
Matt Judon gets the tip.
Troy Anderson gets the PICK SIX.📺: #NOvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/jzejqezNfs— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
Austin broke down how Judon could fit within Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s system, which has seen success in recent years by integrating veterans like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. The key is to pair them with younger talent without expecting them to be the focal point of the defense.
“Judon will now have an opportunity to prove that he can still be an impact player off the edge with a new team, and the Washington Commanders have a need. Washington added Deatrich Wise Jr. in free agency, but outside of Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell, this group lacks depth. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. to free agency, Armstrong is the best pass rusher still on the roster, and he had just a 13.5% pressure rate in 2024,” Austin wrote.
Even after coming off a season with just 5.5 sacks and 25 pressures, Judon’s skill set still offers enough versatility for smart coaches to deploy him in specific, high-leverage situations. In a team that has seemingly made all the right moves since general manager Adam Peters took over, this is the kind of calculated risk that makes sense.
