The Minnesota Vikings have a solid group of pass rushers, but with training camp less than a month away, they’re still one key piece short of having a complete unit.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz (June 26), Minnesota’s most pressing need isn’t quarterback depth or another starting corner—it’s a veteran edge rusher who can round out the rotation. His suggestion? Four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon.
Judon, who turns 33 in August, is coming off a down year with just 5.5 sacks for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. While his production dipped, he still brings valuable experience and could thrive in a rotational role—possibly reviving his career.
Judon’s résumé includes 72 sacks, 174 QB hits, and 94 tackles for loss over nine seasons with the Ravens, Patriots, and Falcons. Spotrac estimates his market value at around $8.4 million over two years, following the expiration of his previous $54.5 million deal.
The Vikings already have their starting edge rushers set: Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both of whom had breakout seasons in 2024. First-round pick Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall) is also waiting in the wings for a bigger role after limited snaps in his rookie year.
Matthew Judon
Turner’s lower usage wasn’t due to performance issues but rather the surprise impact of Greenard and Van Ginkel. Greenard posted 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss en route to his first Pro Bowl and a top-15 finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Van Ginkel earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl spot with 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, three turnovers, and two defensive touchdowns—more than enough to justify his high usage.
Still, with depth questions beyond that top three, adding a proven vet like Judon could provide stability and a valuable spark off the bench.
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