Compromise is the name of the game when trying to avoid dispute, and the Baltimore Ravens are just fine with being amicable when it comes to linebacker Matt Judon. The 27-year-old was franchise tagged for 2020 but had yet to sign his tender, mostly due to the fact the league still views outside linebackers and defensive ends differently, although they rush the passer in much the same way -- albeit in different schemes. That leads to the two positions being paid differently as well under the franchise tag, which has led to many a dispute around the league from players such as Jadeveon Clowney versus the Houston Texans, and it's because linebackers under the franchise tag earn a couple million less than a defensive end would in any given year.
To avoid any sort of contention in Baltimore on the topic, the team anted up and will reportedly pay Judon a salary of $16.808 million in 2020, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, which is the middle ground between both positions. And with that term agreed to, Judon has officially signed his tender -- the team announced -- locking him in for the coming season with plenty of time to spare.
Judon is a former fifth-round pick of the Ravens (2016) who climbed the ranks to take the reins as starter, and ultimately landing his first Pro Bowl nod for an impressive 2019 season. He logged 16 starts last season and racked up a career-high 9.5 sacks in the process, which was also a team-high, along with his four forced fumbles. He made key plays at several points of the season, including bullying a visiting DeShaun Watson to the tune of two sacks -- one being a strip sack -- that helped fuel a 41-7 rout over the Houston Texans in Week 11.
Judon delivered seven tackles in that contest, and flexed his ability to play multiple positions, adding cement to his want of a compromise on his coming salary. He got his wish and will now again suit up for one of the most potent defenses in the NFL, made more so by the additions of Derek Wolf, Calais Campbell and rookie linebacker Patrick Queen.
