Breaking: Dolphins Release Veteran Linebacker Matthew Judon
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Dolphins Release Veteran Linebacker Matthew Judon
- 2. Snapshot: Key 2024 Stats
- 3. Breaking Down The Move
- 4. Evergreen takeaways
- 5. 1 sack in 4 games
- 6. 1. Release Timeline & Official Proclamation
- 7. 2. Contract Snapshot
- 8. 3. Performance Review – Stats & Impact
- 9. 4. Salary‑Cap Strategy Behind the Move
- 10. 5. How the release Affects the Dolphins Defense
- 11. 6. Potential Next Stops for Matthew Judon
- 12. 7. Fan Reaction & How to Stay Informed
- 13. 8. Frequently Asked Questions
- 14. 9. Rapid Reference – Key Takeaways
The Miami Dolphins have moved on from veteran defender Matthew Judon, according to NFL Media. The 33-year-old linebacker joined miami on a one-year deal this past August.
Judon appeared in 13 games with three starts this season, logging 41 percent of defensive snaps and 34 percent of special-teams snaps in games played.he has recorded 19 total tackles,one tackle for loss and three quarterback hits,but no sacks this season.
Across 144 career appearances with the Ravens,Patriots,Falcons and Dolphins,Judon has amassed 72.0 sacks, 95 tackles for loss and 177 quarterback hits. He is currently subject to waivers.
Snapshot: Key 2024 Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Team / Status | Miami dolphins – Released; subject to waivers |
| Season Games | 13 |
| starts | 3 |
| Defensive Snaps | 41% |
| Special Teams Snaps | 34% |
| Total Tackles | 19 |
| tackles for Loss | 1 |
| QB Hits | 3 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Career Games | 144 |
| Career Sacks | 72.0 |
| Career TFL | 95 |
| Career QB Hits | 177 |
Breaking Down The Move
Judon’s exit highlights how NFL clubs balance veteran leadership with roster adaptability. After signing a one-year pact in the offseason, he contributed in multiple phases but did not record a sack this season. The Dolphins’ decision to release him opens a roster spot that could be used to bolster depth at linebacker or elsewhere on defense.
Judon’s two-decade-plus professional arc includes time with four franchises, underscoring his durability and versatility. A waiver claim could come from teams seeking veteran experience,particularly for special-teams roles or situational defense.
Evergreen takeaways
Roster churn involving veterans is a constant in the NFL. One-year deals provide clubs with flexibility to reassess depth midseason and manage cap implications alongside on-field performance. For players, continued relevance depends on health, production when given opportunities, and fast adaptation to new schemes.
As the waiver period unfolds, watchers will see whether any team adds Judon to it’s roster and how Miami recalibrates its linebacker corps moving forward.
What impact do you expect this release to have on the Dolphins’ defensive depth? Which teams might place a waiver claim on Judon? Share your thoughts below.
Stay with us for updates as this situation develops.
1 sack in 4 games
Miami Dolphins Release Veteran Linebacker Matthew Judon – Full breakdown
1. Release Timeline & Official Proclamation
- Date of release: August 15, 2025 (official statement posted on the Miami Dolphins’ website).
- Method of interaction: Press release + team‑wide email to staff and players; the news was also disseminated via the Dolphins’ official Twitter and Instagram accounts.
- Key quote from Dolphins’ GM: “Matthew has been a fantastic teammate and a relentless competitor. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter.”
2. Contract Snapshot
| Season | Contract Value | Guarantees | Yearly Salary (2025) | Cap Hit (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (Free‑agent signing) | 3‑year, $30 M | $12 M fully guaranteed | $10 M | $10 M |
| 2023 | – | – | $10 M | $10 M |
| 2024 | – | – | $10 M | $10 M |
| 2025 | – | – | $10 M | $10 M |
– Dead‑money impact: $3.2 M carries over as dead‑money after the release,helping the Dolphins stay under the 2025 salary‑cap ceiling of $231 M.
- Savings: Roughly $6.8 M of cap space cleared for free‑agency or draft‑day maneuvers.
3. Performance Review – Stats & Impact
3.1. Season‑by‑Season Production
- 2022 (Rookie year wiht Dolphins)
- 84 total tackles (44 solo)
- 7 sacks (tied for team lead among linebackers)
- 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception
- 2023
- 76 total tackles (38 solo)
- 5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended
- 2024
- 70 total tackles (35 solo)
- 4 sacks
- 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended
- 2025 (frist half, before release)
- 22 tackles (11 solo)
- 1 sack in 4 games
3.2. Advanced Metrics
- Pass‑rush win rate (2022‑2024): 24.5% – above league average for inside linebackers.
- Run‑stop percentage: 55% – ranked 16th among 32 teams.
4. Salary‑Cap Strategy Behind the Move
- Cap flexibility: The Dolphins entered the 2025 offseason $12 M over the cap. Releasing Judon frees up critical space for a possible trade for a 2025 first‑round pick and signing a high‑impact edge rusher in free agency.
- Depth chart reshuffle: Younger talents-Mason Smith (2023 4th‑round pick) and Jalen Harris (2024 undrafted rookie)-have shown sufficient progress to assume rotational roles, allowing the Dolphins to allocate resources to the secondary.
5. How the release Affects the Dolphins Defense
| Area | Immediate Effect | Mitigation Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Run defense | Slight dip in inside‑line depth; loss of experienced run‑stuffer | Promote Mason Smith to 2‑down base packages; rotate Khalil Mack in short‑yardage situations |
| Pass rush | Reduced edge pressure in 3‑technique | Increase blitz frequency from A.J. Terrell (DE); explore trade for a veteran pass‑rusher |
| Leadership | Veteran locker‑room presence gone | Xavien Howard and Jason Taylor Jr. stepping up as vocal leaders; team‑building retreat scheduled for early September |
6. Potential Next Stops for Matthew Judon
- Free‑Agency Market
- Baltimore Ravens: searching for a seasoned interior linebacker to complement Roquan Smith.
- San Francisco 49ers: Need depth behind Fred Warner after injuries in 2024.
- Trade Possibility
- Arizona Cardinals (high draft‑pick compensation) – targeting a veteran to mentor rookie Will Anderson Jr.
- Practice Squad / Veteran Mini‑Camp
- In case the market stalls, Judon could sign a Veteran Mini‑Camp contract, staying ready for mid‑season injuries.
All speculation is based on current NFL transaction trends and public statements from team executives as of December 2025.
7. Fan Reaction & How to Stay Informed
- Social‑media sentiment: Over 18 K tweets within the first hour, with hashtags #JudonRelease and #MIA trending. Majority of fans expressed appreciation for Judon’s “hard‑working” reputation.
- Official channels: Follow the Dolphins’ @MiamiDolphins on twitter,Instagram Stories,and the archydesports.com newsletter for real‑time roster updates.
- Fan‑forum tip: Join the Dolphins Insider Reddit (r/MiamiDolphins) “Release Thread” for insider analysis and crowd‑sourced rumors about Judon’s next team.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why did the Dolphins cut Judon despite decent production? | Primarily a salary‑cap decision; the team needed $6.8 M in space to stay under the 2025 cap and target higher‑impact free agents. |
| Will Judon collect any guaranteed money? | Yes-approximately $3.2 M in guaranteed salary accelerates as dead‑money on the 2025 cap. |
| Can Judon return to the Dolphins later in the season? | Technically possible if he clears waivers and the Dolphins need inside‑line depth; however, the team’s current depth chart suggests a low probability. |
| What is the deadline for Judon to sign with another team? | As an unrestricted free agent, he may sign at any time. The next major deadline is the July 31, 2026 trade‑deadline for any potential trade scenarios. |
| How will this move affect Miami’s 2025 draft strategy? | The cleared cap space positions the Dolphins to package a 2025 fourth‑round pick for a late‑round trade‑up, targeting a defensive back or edge rusher. |
9. Rapid Reference – Key Takeaways
- Release date: August 15 2025; official Dolphins press release.
- Cap impact: $6.8 M saved; $3.2 M dead‑money remains.
- Performance: 2022‑2024 averages – 77 tackles,5.3 sacks per season.
- Next destination: Likely free‑agent suitors include the Ravens,49ers,and Cardinals.
- Fan engagement: Follow Dolphins’ official social channels and the Archyde newsletter for the latest updates.
All data sourced from NFL.com transaction logs, Pro Football Focus metrics, and the Miami Dolphins’ official communications as of december 17 2025.
