New York Giants could pursue underrated LB Matthew Judon in free agency

New York Giants, Matthew Judon, Baltimore Ravens
Nov 17, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon (99) reacts after a sack in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

With players like Yannick Ngakoue and Jadeveon Clowney plastered across the free-agent boards, the New York Giants have been no exception to their allure. However, underrated options like Baltimore’s Matthew Judon have crept up in the preliminary stages of the offseason.

Judon is one of those small-school players that quietly made a difference in the first four seasons of his career, but in 2019, his 9.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits stood out. The Giants currently have about $61 million in cap space available, but after roster cuts, they should reach about $80-85 million, opening the door for a big pass-rusher signing.

Judon fits the bill perfectly as an outside linebacker. With Patrick Graham preparing to install a new defense, we have already confirmed that he will use a bevy of looks and utilize a hybrid scheme. Since the Giants have already tailored their youth around the 3-4, I estimate that Graham will use that system more frequently. This further promotes the signing of a player like Judon, who is just entering his prime.

How much would the New York Giants have to dish out for Judon?

Spotrac values Judon at about $16.3 million per season, which is a hefty sum but necessary if the Giants are looking to add a genuine threat off the edge. Even if they do lure a player like Judon to New York, they will need to pair him with another solid pass-rusher, which is where Markus Golden enters the fold.

Golden logged 10.0 sacks in 2019, proving he can be a force on defense. While he wasn’t given much support on the opposite side of the line, Golden has an unstoppable motor and strong hands. Pairing Golden and Judon together would give GM Dave Gettleman the freedom to draft a player like Isaiah Simmons and a tackle prospect in the earlier portion of the draft.