Arlington, Texas, December 18, 2025 — Just hours after the Miami Dolphins waived veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon on December 17, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys are among the NFL contenders
closely monitoring the waiver wire for a potential claim. Judon, a four‑time Pro Bowler with a decade of experience, suddenly finds himself available late in the 2025 season — and teams like Dallas are evaluating whether adding him could impact their defensive mix.
The 33‑year‑old Judon had a decorated career that peaked with the New England Patriots, where he recorded multiple double‑digit sack seasons, including 12.5 in 2021 and 15.5 in 2022. Following that stretch, he spent a year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and signed a one‑year contract with the Dolphins in 2025, where he struggled to make an impact — finishing the season with 19 tackles, one tackle for loss and
no sacks before his release.
Why Dallas is Interested
The Cowboys’ defense has remained one of the NFL’s most talented units, but with late‑season attrition and the absence of former star Micah Parsons — who suffered a season‑ending ACL injury after being traded to the Green Bay Packers — Dallas faces challenges maintaining consistent pressure from the edge.
If claimed, Judon could provide rotational depth behind established Cowboys edge rushers like James Houston IV, who has made a significant impact this season with double‑digit sacks, and Jadeveon Clowney
, who has brought veteran presence to Dallas’ defensive front.
Roster Fit and Defensive Impact
Dallas has traditionally relied on a strong front seven to set the tone on defense. With Parsons no longer available and capable rushers already contributing, Judon’s value as a
situational pass‑rushing veteran — especially on third downs — could be appealing. However, his production in Miami this season raises legitimate questions about whether he can be an immediate impact player.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer (if still in role) and the front office will weigh the benefits of adding Judon — including his leadership and playoff experience — against the risk of taking on a veteran with limited recent production. Whether Dallas claims Judon will depend on
waiver priority and roster needs, as other contenders are also expected to pursue him.
What’s Next
As Judon passes through the waiver process, the Cowboys will watch closely. With three games left in the regular season, Dallas still harbors postseason aspirations, and bolstering a defense missing one of its former stars would be welcomed — especially if the team can integrate a seasoned pass rusher to take pressure off younger players.
For now, the story remains unconfirmed whether Judon will land with Dallas or another contender. But his availability has already generated buzz across NFL circles, and the waiver outcome may reveal more about how teams value veteran edge rushers in the heat of the playoff race.
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With Brandon Aiyuk having been moved to the reserve/left squad list, it is highly likely he has played his final game as a 49er. The veteran wideout’s future will presumably not include time spent in San Francisco in 2026, but it remains to be seen where his next NFL gig will come from.
A trade could of course be worked out in this case. Since the 49ers voided future guarantees in Aiyuk’s contract, the pact should be much easier to absorb than it otherwise would have been. Still, interested teams would much prefer to add Aiyuk as a free agent rather than parting with draft capital to acquire a player known to be on the way out. To no surprise, then, Matt Barrows of The Athletic predicts (subscription required) the 49ers will proceed with a release this spring.
Per Barrows, Aiyuk is still held in high regard by his teammates despite the way things have unfolded in his case. That puts the 27-year-old in a different situation than someone like De’Vondre Campbell, whose standing with the team unraveled when he refused to re-enter a game in Week 15 last season. Nevertheless, Aiyuk’s relationship with the organization has been the subject of speculation dating back to contentions extension talks in 2024. Provided he is released, it will be interesting to see how many suitors pursue Aiyuk coming off a full season spent on the sidelines.
It was reported last week the Commanders are among the teams which can be expected to show interest on that front. A reunion between Aiyuk and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels would certainly not come as a surprise. Indeed, Barrows points to Washington as one of the likeliest landing spots for Aiyuk. He adds Pittsburgh as a team to watch regarding an Aiyuk deal.
The Steelers were long mentioned as a contender to acquire the former second-team All-Pro prior to his extension being signed. Pittsburgh and San Francisco engaged in trade talks to the point where an agreement was reached between the teams. Aiyuk himself ended the possibility of a Steelers swap by informing the 49ers of his desire to stay. His four-year, $120MM extension was finalized immediately thereafter. Pittsburgh has since acquired and extended D.K. Metcalf, but otherwise the WR position remains a question mark for the team.
Aiyuk has only made seven appearances since signing that pact. His knee injury (which included ACL, MCL and meniscus tears) has resulted in an absence which stretched through the second half of last season and all of the current campaign. A return to action in time for 2026 should be expected, but a short list of serious suitors could emerge if/when he hits the open market.