Titans Urged to Sign Veteran Free Agent Matthew Judon to Bolster Pass Rush
The Tennessee Titans made headlines by selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—a move that signals a new era under center. While this was a justifiable and necessary decision for the future of the franchise, it didn’t address one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses: the pass rush. The Titans’ defense recorded just 32 sacks last season, ranking among the bottom three teams in the NFL.
To make matters worse, Tennessee parted ways with one of its most productive edge defenders this offseason. Harold Landry III, who tallied 9.0 sacks in 2024, was released, leaving a significant void in the pass-rushing department. While the Titans did select Oluwafemi Oladejo, a promising edge rusher, in the second round of the draft, rookies often take time to adjust to the NFL’s speed and complexity—particularly at a position as demanding as outside linebacker or defensive end.
That’s where the free-agent market could come into play. Bleacher Report’s NFL analyst Moe Moton has proposed a solution: the Titans should pursue veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler known for his consistency and leadership on defense.
“After letting go of Harold Landry III, the Titans are now counting on Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key to produce pressure from the edge,” Moton wrote. “While Oladejo could emerge as a contributor early, adding a proven veteran like Judon would give the Titans a dependable insurance policy.”
Judon, who will be 33 years old heading into the 2025 season, is no longer in his prime, but he remains a capable and experienced defender. Last season, he appeared in all 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons and notched 5.5 sacks—still a respectable figure for a veteran pass rusher. Though it’s unlikely he will replicate the 15.5 sacks he posted in 2022 with the New England Patriots, Judon’s presence could provide much-needed depth and veteran leadership to a young and evolving Titans defense.
The Titans’ edge unit, as it stands now, lacks a true star. Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key are solid players, but neither has consistently performed as a top-tier pass rusher. Adding Judon would bring both stability and experience to the rotation, helping mentor young players like Oladejo while offering a reliable option on obvious passing downs.
Judon has compiled 72 career sacks over his nine-year NFL career, which began with the Baltimore Ravens before moving to the Patriots and most recently the Falcons. His ability to stay healthy and contribute in various defensive schemes makes him an attractive option for a team looking to make a defensive leap.
Tennessee’s front office has made it clear they want to compete immediately, despite transitioning to a new quarterback. Strengthening the defense—especially the pass rush—is critical to that goal. While the offense is set to grow under its new leader, the defense needs veteran reinforcements to ensure balance across the roster.
In sum, signing Matthew Judon would be a smart and low-risk move for the Titans. His leadership, experience, and remaining productivity could fill a major gap and boost a defensive unit in desperate need of playmakers. With Judon still available in free agency, the Titans have an opportunity to make a key addition that could pay dividends throughout the 2025 season.
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