Charger Report

Should Chargers consider signing veteran pass-rush specialist to league-best defense?

Four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon is available but the Los Angeles Chargers' highly-ranked defense doesn't need him.
Richie Whitt|
Matthew Judon
Matthew Judon | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles ChargersDallas Cowboys | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

Headed down the stretch of this season, do the Los Angeles Chargers need to make one of their strengths even stronger?

With Wednesday's release of veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon by the Miami Dolphins, many Bolts fans clamored for their team to sign him. He is, after all, a four-time Pro Bowler with a history of getting quarterbacks on the ground.

MORE: Dak Prescott reveals unmotivated Cowboys' mindset against playoff-bound Chargers

But two things are in play here: 1. Judon was wholly ineffective this season for the Dolphins. 2. The Chargers own one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The idea seems intriguing. Add a pass-rush specialist with a Pro Bowl pedigree to the roster, specifically for the purpose of future encounters with quarterbacks such as C.J. Stroud, Bo Nix and - in the playoffs - perhaps Trevor Lawrence, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen or Drake Maye. But in 13 games with the Dolphins, the 33-yard Judon produced 0 sacks. In PFF's rankings of defensive ends, he is 112th out of 112 players.

With the return of Khalil Mack, the rise of Tuli Tuipulotu and the mid-season addition of Odafe Oweh, the Chargers don't necessarily have a need for Judon.

MORE: Chargers open as shocking Week 16 underdogs against lame-duck Cowboys

Coordinator Jesse Minter's defense is No. 2 overall in the NFL. The Chargers are Top 5 in passing yards allowed, sacks, on third downs and in the Red Zone. They have allowed a league-low 12 passing touchdowns (for perspective, this week's opponent - the Dallas Cowboys - have surrendered 31).

Adding a veteran on the offensive line to protect Justin Herbert makes sense for the Chargers. Signing Judon just doesn't feel necessary.

Odafe Oweh
Odafe Oweh | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers sign familiar veteran in response to multiple injuries

Los Angeles Chargers fans were right about breakout player all along

Chargers beating Cowboys keys LA’s NFL playoff clinching scenario

Derwin James and Travis Kelce show respect and embrace one last time

Chargers' breakout defender making strong case to be re-signed

Published
Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

Share on XFollow richiewhitt
Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News