Why the 49ers should put in a waiver claim for Dolphins recently released pass rusher

The Miami Dolphins recently released Matthew Judon. He will go on waivers. On the surface, his numbers aren’t pretty. Judon has zero sacks and one tackle for loss in 337 defensive snaps this season. PFF will tell you he’s one of the worst edge rushers in the NFL. I think he can help the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s been more noticeable with Sam Okuayinonu out, but the 49ers have struggled mightily against the run this season. Last week, you can see why the team is hesitant to play Bryce Huff and Robert Beal on running downs. Robert Saleh was forced to rely on the two newest acquisitions, Clelin Ferrell and Keion White, in running situations.

Judon is listed at about 265 pounds. There are examples from Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Judon would be an upgrade over what the 49ers currently have on the roster. Anywhere from setting the edge to crashing down into a gap to standing up as a stacked linebacker:

How’s that for a big nickel package? Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver trusted Judon to drop into coverage on his simulated pressures, which would also work in Saleh’s favor.

I’m not going to pretend like Judon will be an impact player for the 49ers, but he’s been productive since Week 10. During that stretch, Judon has eight pressures and four run stops. Most of those pressures came from the types of games and twists Saleh runs.

At this stage in his career, less is more with Judon. He wouldn’t need to play 30+ snaps a game. Claiming Judon off waivers would be more about taking Huff off the field on running downs or Beal off the field altogether.

Judon would also allow White to rush from the inside and let the 49ers take Alfred Collins or one of their other defensive tackles off the field. Injuries have meant the NASCAR package was a thing of the past. That could return with another experienced edge rusher like Judon.

Judon would have to get through a handful of potential playoff teams before reaching the 49ers in the waiver wire. That includes his former team, the Ravens, and other teams like the Bucs, Lions, and Packers that need pass-rush help.