ESPN: Patriots announced the signing of Judon DE Matthew.

In less than 280 characters, Matthew Judon perhaps provided the surest sign that he’s healthy and ready for a new era of New England Patriots football.

Judon got back into character with a Saturday post that saw him resume his propensity to recruit high-profile castaways to Foxborough. His latest target is one of his most ambitious projects yet: not only is he going after a former Baltimore Ravens teammate, but the target in question hasn’t even been fully removed from the roster yet.

Patriots’ DE Matthew Judon
© Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors persist that financial restraints could cause the Ravens to part ways with three-time Pro Bowl rep Marlon Humphrey, who rose to national prominence alongside Judon over three years in Charm City. Judon took note of a Ravens fan account on X citing a USA Today report that Baltimore could save nearly $12 million in cap space if they let Humphrey go, which proved to be the perfect excuse to play college coach.

“I like this move,” Judon said. “I think (on) the Patriots 44 is open.”

The number that Humphrey has repped is indeed available in New England, its most famous previous wearer perhaps being former running back Don Calhoun (1975-81). It was out of commission last season, last worn by reserve receiver/specialist Raleigh Webb.

Judon’s return from a lower bicep injury, one that ate away at all but four games of his 2023 season, will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the Patriots’ coming season. The fact he’s up to his old pixelated tricks, however, is perhaps one of the most public signs yet that the lauded pass rusher is back to his old self.

As one of the primary faces of modern Patriots football, has frequently tried to lure name-brand talents to Foxborough. While he has yet to make any prime acquisitions, his X timeline continues to feature pitches to names like Odell Beckham Jr., DeAndre Hopkins, and Bobby Wagner.

Though Judon is but a memory in Baltimore, he has appeared to have left a lasting impression on Humphrey. In three seasons of working together (2017-19), Baltimore finished no worse than 12th in total defense, leading the league in 2018.

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“He’s meant a lot to this defense,” Humphrey said of Judon in 2021, per Aaron Kasinitz of PennLive.com. “Anytime you see a play, you’re always going to see some guy running full speed, giving his all with a lot of hustle.”

“I think he’s been a big voice to the defense, for sure. (He’s) one of our top leaders, I think. You think you know guys like him come around often, but I don’t think they do.”