Judon revealed the news during a conversation with Arabia Tillery of the ALL32 podcast, explaining his decision to join the 49ers.
"With all of the injuries piling up over there, I think I can just come in and help until some of them guys get back," Judon said. "I know the D-line coach. I know him well. He's a great D-line coach, Coach Kris [Kocurek]."
Judon is also familiar with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who was his head coach with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
"Ra is a big old kid, and he loves the game of football, and he knows a lot about it," Judon said of Morris. "I feel that we didn't get a long enough tenure together, or stint together. And so, just his energy and his love and passion for the game, and I love [it] as well.
"So, we're going to be able to have fun and create moments, but it's more about winning."
Injuries have struck the 49ers' defensive front early this season. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins is out for the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon ahead of Week 1. Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu suffered a broken foot ahead of the season opener. Defensive tackles James Thompson Jr. (high-ankle sprain) and C.J. West (chipped bone in his knee) are expected to miss multiple weeks.
Meanwhile, rookie defensive end Romello Height underwent hand surgery and missed Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, star defensive end Nick Bosa suffered a calf injury last week and is expected to miss a few weeks.
With defensive line depth thinning, additions were inevitable.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Judon out of Grand Valley State in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent his first five NFL seasons with Baltimore before signing a four-year contract with the New England Patriots in 2021.
In August 2024, the Patriots traded Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent one season.
Judon played for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in 2025, recording 19 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three quarterback hits, and one pass defensed, according to Pro Football Reference.
Through 10 NFL seasons, Judon has appeared in 145 games, recording 429 tackles, 72 sacks, 95 tackles for a loss, one interception, one defensive touchdown, nine forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
Judon's career accolades include four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 through 2022.
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