Miami Dolphins Shock Fans, Release Pro Bowl Linebacker Matthew Judon Days Before Week 16 Clash

The Miami Dolphins have released veteran edge rusher and four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon, placing the 33-year-old on waivers and immediately reshaping the late-season pass-rush market. Judon signed a one-year deal with Miami in August but never found his groove in Vic Fangio’s system, logging 19 total tackles, one tackle for loss and three quarterback hits while playing 41 percent of defensive snaps across 13 games this season. Although he failed to record a sack in 2025, his career résumé—72.0 sacks, 95 tackles for loss and 177 QB hits in 144 games with the Ravens, Patriots, Falcons and Dolphins—will make him one of the most coveted names on the late-December waiver wire. Why did Miami move on? The Dolphins are shuffling their roster as they battle injuries and cap constraints, and parting with a veteran earning incentive-laden money clears space for younger players. Because Judon was released after the trade deadline, he must pass through waivers; teams will have until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to submit a claim, with the current draft order determining priority. Potential landing spots • Kansas City Chiefs – still seeking an edge partner for Chris Jones in the playoff push • Baltimore Ravens – a reunion with the franchise that drafted him could deepen an already elite defense • Detroit Lions – ranking near the bottom in pressure rate opposite Aidan Hutchinson • Buffalo Bills – looking for veteran depth after multiple injuries along the front seven • Philadelphia Eagles – rotating pass rushers more than any contender and flush with cap space Any team that claims Judon will inherit the prorated portion of his $4 million base salary; if he clears waivers, he becomes an unrestricted free agent free to negotiate a playoff-run contract. What Judon brings to a new locker room • Elite bull-rush power and length (6-foot-3, 275 lbs.) that translate in both four-man and odd-front looks • Proven ability to set the edge against the run—critical for December football • Scheme versatility after playing in Wink Martindale, Bill Belichick and Fangio systems • Leadership experience as a two-time captain in New England Next steps Front-office staffs are combing through medicals—Judon missed most of 2024 with a torn biceps—and playoff contenders will weigh whether his upside outweighs the risk of knocking a young player off the 53-man roster. Expect waiver results by Thursday afternoon; if claims are filed, Judon could be in a new facility for Friday’s walkthrough, ready to chase a ring in Week 16. NFL fan bases eager for a late-season boost should keep refreshing the waiver wire tracker. Wherever Matthew Judon lands, his arrival will instantly dominate the headlines—and the backfield.