Matthew Judon Signs His Franchise Tag

Matthew Judon Makes Franchise Tag Official

Update: It has since been reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that the Ravens and Judon reached a compromise in regards to the salary disparity between an outside linebacker tag and a defensive end tag. The Ravens have agreed to pay Judon $16.8 million in 2020, as opposed to the $15.8 million originally reported. The Ravens reached a similar agreement with Terrell Suggs in 2008.

Matthew Judon began his career with the Ravens as a 2016 fifth-round draft pick out of Grand Valley State. He has been a steady contributor his entire time with the Ravens and has been incredibly durable. Judon has only missed two games in his four seasons in the league, both happening during his rookie season. He earned a starting role in just his second season and never looked back. Judon has been impressive so far in his career, showing consistent improvement year after year. In just four seasons he has 186 total tackles, 45 tackles for a loss, 28.5 sacks, and 82 quarterback hits.

Judon had a fantastic 2019 season. He had 54 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles. His 2019 performance earned him his first career Pro Bowl trip. His personality and heart make him a very important person in the Ravens’ locker room. Judon has already shown that he can become the leader that the Ravens have been missing with Terrell Suggs gone. This is undoubtedly a player that the Ravens are hoping to keep in Baltimore for years to come. And yet, there is still some uncertainty regarding his future in Baltimore.

Uncertainty Regarding Judon’s Future in Baltimore Still?

Despite finally signing the franchise tag there might still be uncertainty surrounding Judon’s future with the team. It has been speculated many times this offseason that Judon could be the subject of a trade-and-sign deal. The first step of such a deal getting done would be the franchise tag being signed. However, the Ravens have clearly expressed interest in reaching a long-term deal with Judon. The two sides will have until July 15th to work on a deal that will keep Judon a Raven for the long haul.

In the past, the Ravens have used the franchise tag in order to buy time to reach a new deal with their free agents. The Ravens tagged Terrell Suggs in 2009 and later signed him to an extension in July. In 2011, Haloti Ngata followed the same path and was franchise tagged and later extended in July. The following year, in 2012, Ray Rice received the franchise tag and then later signed a contract extension in July. More recently, Justin Tucker was franchised tagged in 2016 but reached a deal for a new contract in July as well. It is safe to assume that the Ravens will be working their hardest to get Judon under a long-term deal as soon as they can. If Judon has anything to say about it, he will be in Baltimore for 2020 according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and a league source.

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