Heading into the 2025 NFL season, no one truly knows what to expect from the Minnesota Vikings.
On one hand, the Vikings could be right back in the thick of the race for the NFC. Last season, the team compiled a 14-3 record before losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. They could be revving up for a similar season from a success perspective.
However, there is also a chance that Minnesota could take a big step back. Sam Darnold is no longer in town and the Vikings are taking a huge gamble on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy being ready to step in and take over the offense.
Ahead of the 2025 campaign, there are a couple of areas Minnesota could consider improving. One of those areas comes in the pass rush defensively.
Bringing in another proven pass rushing threat would be a wise decision.
To that end, a big name has been suggested as a potential target. If the Vikings decided to get aggressive, this would be a move that would make a ton of sense.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz has suggested veteran defensive end Matthew Judon as a possible target for the Vikings prior to the season getting underway.
"The Vikings could really use a veteran to provide depth and rotate in every so often," Schatz wrote. "Judon had a disappointing 2024 season with just 5.5 sacks for the Falcons, and he seems to be on the decline (he turns 33 in August). Still, he can get after the passer, and some reps as a backup might really rejuvenate his career."
As Schatz mentioned, Judon played the 2024 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons and did not live up to expectations. Despite that fact, he still had 5.5 sacks and could be a valuable depth option or even a bounce-back candidate as a starter.
Judon is 32 years old and is entering the final stage of his career. He would likely be interested in an opportunity to play within a defense like the one Brian Flores runs in Minnesota.
If he is able to turn back the clock a bit and bounce back from his tough 2024 season, the Vikings could get a huge late-offseason steal by signing him. His track record shows a player more than capable of making a major impact.
On a short-term deal, this is a move that Minnesota should seriously consider.
