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

Indianapolis, December 18, 2025 — The Indianapolis Colts made a swift and unexpected 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 playoff-tested toughness to a Colts defense looking to stabilize and reassert itself as the season enters its final stretch.

Now 33 years old, Judon was once the unquestioned cornerstone of the New England Patriots’ defense, recording 28 sacks from 2019 through 2023. Known for his relentless motor, physicality, and ability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks, Judon ranked among the league’s premier edge 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 declined. Miami signed him in August hoping to add veteran depth and pass-rush presence, but he struggled to make a consistent impact, finishing with three tackles for loss and no sacks across 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-efficient talent. The decision also coincided with another notable move: the benching of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, signaling a long-term change in direction.

Indianapolis wasted no time.

Within hours of Miami’s announcement, the Colts 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 down the stretch.

Head coach Shane Steichen welcomed the addition, emphasizing Judon’s value beyond raw statistics:

“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 move forward.”

Judon quickly embraced the opportunity, posting a photo of himself in Colts gear on his personal X account with the caption: “Locked in. Ready to work. #ForTheShoe.”

Joining a defensive unit that features emerging young talent up front, Judon is expected to provide a veteran presence and situational pass-rush boost as the Colts navigate a critical closing stretch. Fan reaction has been largely positive, with many hopeful that a change of scenery can help revive his production.

Still, questions remain about whether Judon can rediscover his Pro Bowl form after a quiet 2025 campaign. The Colts coaching staff believes a fresh environment, combined with renewed motivation, could help unlock what remains in the veteran edge rusher’s game.

Judon could make his debut as early as this weekend, giving Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis represents a fresh start — and possibly one final opportunity to remind the league why he was once among the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.