BREAKING: Denver Broncos Add 5x Pro Bowl Veteran Edge Rusher Just Hours After Dolphins Part Ways

Denver, December 19, 2025 — The Denver Broncos made a swift and surprising move on Wednesday, claiming veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon just hours after the Miami Dolphins officially released him on December 17, 2025.

Judon, a five-time Pro Bowler, brings immediate experience, leadership, and postseason-tested toughness to a Broncos defense looking to add bite to its pass rush as the season enters its decisive final stretch.

Now 33 years old, Judon was once the cornerstone of the New England Patriots’ defense, recording 28 sacks from 2019 through 2023. Known for his relentless motor, physical edge, and ability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks, Judon ranked among the NFL’s most feared pass rushers during his prime years in New England.

However, after a midseason trade to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and a one-year stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, Judon’s production dipped. Miami signed him in August hoping to add veteran depth and leadership to the defensive front, but he struggled to make a consistent impact, finishing with three tackles for loss and no sacks in 13 games.

That lack of production, combined with a disappointing season and a clear shift toward rebuilding, led the Dolphins to move on from Judon before the year concluded.

Judon’s release was part of a broader organizational reset in Miami, as the franchise began shedding veteran contracts and prioritizing younger, more cap-conscious talent. The decision also came amid another major development: the benching of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, signaling a long-term pivot for the Dolphins.

Denver wasted no time.

Within hours of Miami’s announcement, the Broncos successfully added Judon to their roster. The deal is reportedly worth approximately $2 million for the remainder of the season, with a potential extension clause should Judon perform well as Denver pushes toward the postseason.

Head coach Sean Payton welcomed the addition, emphasizing Judon’s impact beyond the box score:

“He’s always been a player who can make a difference wherever he’s played. His experience, leadership, and ability to pressure the quarterback will be extremely important for our defense as we head into this stretch.”

Judon quickly embraced the opportunity, posting a photo of himself in Broncos gear on his personal X account with the caption: “New chapter. Same mindset. Let’s work. #BroncosCountry.”

Joining a defensive front that already features young talent and established contributors, Judon is expected to provide situational pass-rush juice and a veteran presence in high-leverage moments. Fan reaction has been largely positive, with many believing a change of scenery — and playoff urgency — could help Judon rediscover his Pro Bowl form.

Questions remain about whether Judon can fully return to his dominant level after a quiet 2025 campaign. Still, the Broncos coaching staff believes structure, motivation, and meaningful snaps can unlock what remains in the veteran edge rusher’s game.

Judon could make his debut as early as this weekend, giving Denver an immediate look at how he fits into the defensive rotation.

For Miami, the move marks another step in a full-scale rebuild.
For Matthew Judon, Denver represents a fresh start — and possibly one last opportunity to remind the league why he was once among the NFL’s elite pass rushers.