The Minnesota Vikings boast elite starting pass rushers, but ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes the team is still missing one key piece: a reliable rotational edge rusher. With less than a month until training camp, Schatz argues that adding depth at this position is more urgent than finding a backup quarterback or another starting cornerback.
Schatz suggested veteran Matthew Judon—who has played for the Falcons, Patriots, and Ravens—as a strong candidate to fill that role. While Judon had a down year in 2024 with just 5.5 sacks for Atlanta and is approaching his 33rd birthday, he still brings valuable experience and pass-rushing ability. In a reduced role, he might even experience a late-career resurgence.
A four-time Pro Bowler, most recently honored in 2022, Judon has recorded 72 sacks, 174 quarterback hits, and 94 tackles for loss over nine NFL seasons. Spotrac estimates his market value at around \$8.4 million on a new two-year deal, following the conclusion of a \$54.5 million contract.
Currently, the Vikings are in good shape at the top of the depth chart with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel starting. First-round pick Dallas Turner, who saw limited snaps as a rookie, is expected to step into a larger role in 2025. Beyond that, depth is questionable—highlighted by the presence of Bo Richter, an undrafted free agent from Air Force who played mostly special teams in 2024.
Judon would likely slot in as the fourth edge rusher, directly behind Turner, providing much-needed depth and veteran leadership.
Greenard and Van Ginkel, both signed in 2024, had breakout seasons with Minnesota. Greenard earned his first Pro Bowl selection with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, finishing 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Van Ginkel also shined, earning Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors with 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, three takeaways, and two defensive touchdowns—leading to a contract extension through 2026.
Turner, drafted 17th overall out of Alabama, played just 28% of defensive snaps last year, but that’s expected to change. Whether he rotates more in 2025 or steps up due to injury, having a player like Judon behind him could solidify the unit and give the Vikings a complete and formidable pass-rushing corps.
