Matthew Judon’s patented orange sleeves under his jersey with the Miami Dolphins will be no more.
The Dolphins are cutting the veteran four-time Pro Bowl edge defender, according to a league source confirming national reports Wednesday morning.
Judon, 33, is subject to waivers as players can’t be outright released in-season after the NFL’s trading deadline. That means teams can claim Judon off waivers if they want to bring him in as a late-season addition. If Judon clears waivers, then he may sign where he pleases as a free agent.
The move comes days after the Dolphins’ elimination in Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so it’s a possibility a contending team looks to bring in the veteran presence for a postseason run.
Judon, who has 72 sacks to his name in his 10-year career, was a disappointment with Miami after he was signed during training camp. In 13 games and three starts, he was without a sack and made 19 tackles.
Judon, who has made a career for himself out of Division II Grand Valley State, was a Pro Bowl selection with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019 and 2020 and the New England Patriots in 2021 and 2022. That 2022 season saw him register a career-high 15 ½ sacks before he began his decline.
His last moment with the Dolphins was as a starter in Monday night’s game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. He played 23 defensive snaps and had an assisted tackle.
Judon’s departure opens up even more playing time for second-year pass rusher Chop Robinson to solidify himself as a starter opposite Bradley Chubb. It also allows for playing time at outside linebacker for Cameron Goode and Quinton Bell, who was signed to Miami’s active roster, from the practice squad, Monday.
The Dolphins have not yet announced a roster move to fill the spot created by cutting Judon.