FOXBORO, Mass. — In an unprecedented start to NFL free agency for the New England Patriots, the team continued to make waves Monday, reportedly inking two more big-name free agents on the defensive side of the ball.
NFL Network reported just before 3 p.m. that the Patriots had reached an agreement with LB Matt Judon, a two-time Pro Bowler who spent the last five years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. That deal is for four years and worth $56 million, $32 million of which is all guaranteed over the first two seasons, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
The #Patriots have now finalized a deal for #Ravens pass-rusher Matt Judon, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
Final numbers. Huge. https://t.co/e8jrf73QpA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
Just a few minutes later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter - who already reported two other Patriot free agent signings earlier in the day - wrote that New England had agreed on another deal, this time with former Eagles DB Jalen Mills. That contract is reportedly worth $24 million over four years, including $9 million guaranteed.
Those two reported singings, paired with the agreements in place with TE Jonnu Smith and NT Davon Godchaux, represent the most guaranteed money - $81.25 million - committed to free agents by the Patriots in the last 10 years, Schefter reported.
Patriots already have spent their most guaranteed money on free agents in any offseason over the last decade. https://t.co/iyQI3A72lx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Judon, 28, has been a Pro Bowler the last two seasons at the outside linebacker position. He forced four fumbles two seasons ago and has appeared in 14 or more games in every year of his career after being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. A season ago, the Patriots linebackers corps had been depleted after the offseason departures of Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Jaime Collins, as well as the opt-out of Dont’a Hightower.
A member of the Super Bowl LII champion Eagles, Mills has played both cornerback and strong safety during his five seasons in Philadelphia. After appearing in 17 combined games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Mills played 15 games last year, grabbing one interception and forcing a fumble.
Foxborough Let’s Run It‼️🔋
— Jalen Mills (@greengoblin) March 15, 2021
The 26-year-old was a seventh-round draft pick of the Eagles back in 2016. He will join a secondary that was the strength of the Patriots a season ago and features the likes of CB Stephon Gilmore, CB JC Jackson, as well as S Devin McCourty and S Patrick Chung.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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