99 Matt Judon OLB

Judon signed his franchise tag Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Judon's decision to sign the franchise tag suggests that he won't opt for a holdout even if the Ravens don't sign him to a long-term deal prior to the July 15 deadline. As such, Judon will carry a sizable $16.3 million contract for the 2020 campaign. The pass rusher is coming off a solid 2019 season in which he notched multiple career-high marks, including 9.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 33 QB hits, to go with a solid 54 total tackles through 16 games.

The Ravens gave Judon a franchise tag Friday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

The move has long been expected, with Judon the lone reasonable choice to receive Baltimore's tag this offseason. It's less clear if he'll sign a long-term deal, play on the tag or get traded, as reports from February hinted at friction between the two parties. Judon is coming off a 2019 campaign with career highs for sacks (9.5), QB hits (33) and forced fumbles (four), but the Ravens believe some of his production was the result of a blitz-happy scheme and excellent play from their cornerbacks. While the argument undoubtedly has legitimacy, Judon's agent will be sure to mention that the 27-year-old accounted for 25.7 percent of the team's sacks and 29.7 percent of the QB hits, i.e., he was the only Baltimore pass rusher that actually parlayed the favorable conditions into production.

Judon is expected to receive a franchise tag, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Judon is the only reasonable candidate for Baltimore this offseason, coming off a 2019 campaign with career highs for sacks (9.5), QB hits (33) and forced fumbles (four). His representatives likely will argue that his fourth-in-the-league total for QB hits shows pass-rushing ability beyond the sack numbers, while Baltimore's front office can argue that Judon was aided by the team's league-high blitz rate (54.9 percent) and excellent secondary. Regardless of how the arguments play out, Judon presumably will want a contract exceeding that of former teammate Za'Darius Smith, who signed with Green Bay last offseason for four years and $66 million, though just 30.3 percent was fully guaranteed. There already have been some rumors that the Ravens could opt for a tag-and-trade if Judon won't take a team-friendly deal.

Judon is a candidate to receive the franchise tag and may also be the subject of trade inquiries, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

The 2016 fifth-round pick had a career-high 9.5 sacks in the final season of his rookie contract, bringing his four-year averages to 7.1 sacks, 20.5 QB hits and 46.5 tackles on 640.5 defensive snaps per year. Judon is the Ravens' only viable candidate for a franchise tag, but the team would probably prefer to sign him to a long-term contract. While a tag-and-trade presumably wouldn't be the first option, it could become part of the discussion if Judon and the Ravens have trouble reaching a multi-year agreement. The 27-year-old is Baltimore's best player at an otherwise weak position, and the team has enough cap space to bring him back.

Judon recorded 54 tackles (43 solo), 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles across 16 regular-season contests in 2019.

Judon typically handled around 80 percent of defensive snaps per game in 2019. He settled into a groove across from rookie third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson, securing IDP relevance en route to surpassing his previous career-high sack total set during the 2017 season. The 27-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March.

Judon (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Judon was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, but he appears to have successfully shed his ankle injury. The 27-year-old linebacker stands to draw his usual start versus the 49ers.

Judon (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports

Judon was able to finish the week as a full practice participant and appears on track to play Week 13. The starting linebacker typically plays about 80 percent of defensive snaps and seems likely to receive his regular workload versus San Francisco.

Judon was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Judon appears to have picked up an ankle injury during Monday's dominant win over the Rams. The starting linebacker will have two more chances to increase his activity ahead of Sunday's contest against the 49ers.

Judon logged two solo tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in Monday night's 45-6 win over the Rams.

Judon has notched a sack and a forced fumble in two straight games. He now has seven sacks on the season, equaling his 2018 total and coming within one of his career high.

Judon racked up seven tackles (all solo) and two sacks in Sunday's blowout win over the Texans.

The 27-year-old is finally settling into his groove, as he's racked up 13 solo tackles and two sacks in his past two games. His two takedowns of Deshaun Watson were his fifth and sixth of the season, as he creeps up to the career-high eight he managed in the 2017 season. Judon saw 77 percent of snaps in the game, and if he can continue to produce on a consistent basis, he'll firmly push himself into IDP relevance.

Judon recorded one solo tackle, a sack, in 51 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over Cincinnati.

Judon has been a force this season as a pass rusher, compiling four sacks across six contests. He played 82 percent of defensive snaps versus the Bengals, and if that trend continues, he's a strong IDP candidate with skill and opportunity. He'll have a chance to add to his sack tally next week when he faces a banged-up Seattle offensive line in Week 7.

Judon recorded two tackles, both solo, and a sack across 58 defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Judon continues to find a way to reach the opposing quarterback, as he now has a sack in each game this season. He is also playing over 80 percent of the defensive snaps this year -- making him an appealing target in IDP leagues.

Judon recorded four tackles (three solo) and a sack across 48 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Cardinals.

Judon has now reached the quarterback in back-to-back contests to open the season. He also logged the second-most snaps in the linebacking corps Sunday, trailing only Patrick Onwuasor. He'll have his hands full this coming week trying to containing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' electrifying offense.

Judon made three tackles and a sack in Sunday's 59-10 win over the Dolphins.

Judon is looking for a contract extension, and this is a good start. After recording 15 sacks over the last two seasons, Judon is setting himself up well to reach double digits for the first time in his career. Week 2 provides a solid opportunity to continue his success, as Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was dropped five times in his NFL debut against the Lions.

Judon said his agents have opened extension talks with the Ravens, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Judon played all 32 games (including 20 starts) the past two seasons, averaging 52.5 tackles, 19.5 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks on 732.5 snaps. He may be headed for an even larger workload in the final season of his rookie contract, after Baltimore lost fellow outside linebackers Terrell Suggs (Cardinals) and Za'Darius Smith (Packers) during the offseason. In light of the recent deals handed out to pass rushers, Judon likely is angling for a contract in the range of $14-18 million per season.

Judon (knee) is active for Saturday's game against the Chargers.

Judon received the questionable tag after being a limited participant at practice this week. The 26-year-old is healthy enough to suit up and should take on his usual role at outside linebacker for the Ravens.

Judon (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Chargers.

Judon was limited in practice this week due to his knee injury. He's seen a slight reduction in snaps compared to 2017 but has still performed well, recording 42 tackles, including seven sacks, through 14 games so far this season. Look for Tyus Bowser to see some extra snaps if Judon is ultimately held out or limited in Saturday's tilt.

Judon logged five tackles (three solo), three sacks and one forced fumble during Sunday's 34-17 win over the Raiders.

Judon had one of his strongest outings of 2018 in Week 12, reaching quarterback Derek Carr on an outstanding three occasions. The third-year pro also recorded a key forced fumble, which veteran linebacker Terrell Suggs ultimately returned for a touchdown. Judon will look to record another strong performance against the Falcons on Sunday.

Judon posted five tackles and a sack during Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Steelers.

A week after totaling a season-high 10 tackles, Judon followed that with his second-highest tackle total of the year. He also brought down Ben Roethlisberger and now has 2.5 sacks on the year. The 26-year-old linebacker will look to keep up his hot streak against the Bengals after the Ravens return from their upcoming bye week.

Judon recorded 10 tackles (four solo) in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

Judon's 10 tackles nearly equaled the 14 he'd posted in the first seven games of the season. He hasn't had a prolific season, and unless he can prove his performance was more than a flash in the pan, he isn't worth much IDP consideration. Looking ahead, he and the Ravens will face off against the Steelers in Week 9.