The Miami Dolphins have waived veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, putting him on the waiver wire and instantly sparking a mini rumor mill around playoff teams, including the San Francisco 49ers.
NinersNation.com laid out a compelling argument for why the ‘9ers should chase Judon. The 49ers are being mentioned because of (1) the timing of the move, (2) their obvious need for front-seven reinforcements, and (3) a growing chorus of fan/media speculation that a claim could make sense.
Dolphins Waive Matthew Judon, Creating a Waiver-Wire Fight
Miami announced on December 17, 2025 that it waived Judon as part of a set of roster moves.
nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-wednesday-dec-17″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>NFL Network’s reporting (via NFL.com) noted Judon is being released/waived and will be subject to waivers, with a 2025 stat line that includes 19 total tackles, three QB hits and no sacks.
Because we’re well past the trade deadline, even veterans go through the waiver process, meaning teams higher in the waiver order can claim him before he ever reaches a team like San Francisco.
Why the 49ers Are Even in the Matthew Judon Rumor Mill
The loudest “49ers angle” on Judon has come from the fan/media ecosystem, including a Niners Nation post arguing San Francisco should consider putting in a claim.
That analysis is pretty clear-eyed about what Judon is right now: his surface production has been ugly (zero sacks, one tackle for loss in 337 defensive snaps), and he’s not being pitched as some late-season superstar fix.
Instead, the argument is about fit and role: the 49ers have had issues holding up against the run, and injuries have forced them into uncomfortable rotation choices on early downs. The piece specifically points to Sam Okuayinonu being out and San Francisco’s hesitancy to play Bryce Huff and Robert Beal in run situations, while Robert Saleh has leaned on newer additions like Clelin Ferrell and Keion White.
In other words: Judon isn’t being hyped as “the missing piece,” but as a practical body who can help stabilize the edge-setting/run-defense snaps—and potentially let the 49ers deploy other rushers more creatively.
What It Would Mean for San Francisco (If They Actually Got Him)
If the 49ers did land Judon, the expectation should be rotational usage, not 30+ snaps as a featured rusher every week. That’s essentially how the Niners Nation case frames it: fewer high-leverage snaps, more “specialized” snaps, and a chance to get certain players off the field in situations where they’ve struggled.
The biggest catch is simple: waiver math.
Judon has the resume that will interest multiple teams, and he’ll have to clear claims from whoever sits above San Francisco in priority. Niners Nation even name-dropped several possible competitors (including Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Green Bay) as teams that could reasonably put in a claim first.
For his career, Judon has 285 tackles, 72 sacks, nine forced fumbles and one interception (for a touchdown). The 33-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler.
Bottom line: This is a real waiver event – Judon is available – but the “49ers connection” is still speculation unless and until a claim comes in.
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