Dolphins reportedly hosting surprise free agent defender on visit as team’s roster questions linger ahead of cuts deadline

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 12:34 PM ET

If you had this one on your bingo card, please stand up for a round of applause.

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly set to host a notable free agent today on a visit, but it isn't one that plays some of the positions you may have expected. The Dolphins have a well-documented need in the secondary. The team could certainly use a boost at tight end and the offensive tackle depth has been a bit of a question thus far through the preseason.

Miami's headlining visit today plays none of those positions. Instead, the Dolphins are reportedly set to host free agent pass rusher Matthew Judon today — and there appears to be some level of expectation that these two sides are going to agree to a deal, per reports.

Dolphins reportedly set to host free agent pass rusher Matthew Judon on a visit

Four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon set to meet today with #Dolphins and is expected to join them, barring anything unforeseen, per league source. Judon, 32, has 72 career sacks, 5.5 last year for #Falcons previously #Patriots #Ravens @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/veh1A4LfRs
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 18, 2025

Judon logged five and a half sacks last year while playing for the Atlanta Falcons — the third team of his NFL career. Judon was drafted 146th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and played there for five seasons. He then left to join the New England Patriots ahead of the 2021 season, missing any chance at an overlap with now-Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in Baltimore.

Weaver was hired in Baltimore during the same offseason as Judon's departure.

This is a fascinating potential move for the Dolphins given the names they have present in the pass rush room already. Miami boasts former first-round draft picks Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson as the top three names in the room and a signing here could be interpreted in a few different ways:

Are the Dolphins seeking for injury insurance amid the spotty durability history of Chubb and Phillips?

Phillips had a leg bruise scare last week — is there something deeper beneath the surface?

Could the Dolphins be in a position to trade one of their veterans, presumably Chubb or Phillips, for a cornerback in the next week or so?

This is a curious development for a team that has such a clear and obvious question elsewhere on the defensive depth chart. And so for now, we'll keep our eyes peeled for if Judon and the Dolphins do indeed agree to terms on a contract and see if any subsequent dominos fall in the aftermath.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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