Former Falcons LB visiting with Miami Dolphins, expected to sign

The Atlanta Falcons did not re-sign outside linebacker Matthew Judon following the 2024 season, but it appears the four-time Pro Bowler could soon land a deal with the Miami Dolphins. According to a report from NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Judon is visiting with the Miami Dolphins on Monday.

The Falcons traded for Judon ahead of the 2024 NFL season, sending a third-round pick to the New England Patriots as a last-ditch effort to improve their abysmal pass rush. Judon, 33, was largely a disappointment in Atlanta last season, finishing with 5.5 sacks and lacking consistency from week to week.

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However, former Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake certainly shares some responsibility for Judon’s underwhelming season. Lake regularly had Judon drop into coverage, which isn’t exactly his strong suit. Atlanta fired Lake after the season.

Over nine NFL seasons, Judon has appeared in 137 games (97 starts), recording 72 sacks and 174 QB hits. Judon and the Miami Dolphins are reportedly “motivated to reach a deal,” per Schultz.

Atlanta went in a different direction at the edge rusher position during the 2025 offseason. Instead of re-signing Judon, the team drafted edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.

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Pearce has been impressive thus far, while Walker has been banged up for a large portion of training camp. Head coach Raheem Morris held Walker out of Friday’s loss to the Titans. On Monday, Morris said the team is handling Walker with “an abundance of caution” and that the rookie will be held out of practice with a groin injury.

The Falcons also signed free-agent quarterback Ben DiNucci to their 90-man roster on Monday morning. DiNucci will likely replace Emory Jones, who was injured during Friday’s loss to the Titans.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Matthew Judon visiting with Dolphins