Is it time for New England Patriots fans to be worried about Matthew Judon?
The star edge rusher’s contract situation has been a talking point throughout the offseason, and the chatter could grow even louder as training camp approaches. Judon fanned the flames over the weekend when he responded to a fan’s question about his contract status with the Patriots.
Matthew Judon Comments on New England Patriots Contract Status
Judon, who’ll turn 32 in August, isn’t guaranteed any money in 2024 and is set to hit free agency next offseason. With de facto general manager Eliot Wolf leading the way, the Patriots have prioritized re-signing and extending their top in-house players over the last few months.
But Judon, arguably New England’s best player, remains in search of a new deal. The four-time Pro Bowler participated in spring practices — delivering on his promise not to repeat last year’s contract-related drama — and all signs point toward him showing up for training camp. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be happy.
On Tuesday, an X (formerly known as Twitter) user urged the Patriots to extend Judon and to “pay the man what he wants.” The post drew a replay from Judon.
“I [don’t] think that’s about to happen,” he wrote.
Ion think that’s about to happen
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn)
Judon later posted a GIF that might’ve meant nothing but still sparked panic among Patriots fans.
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn)
How this story ends is anyone’s guess.
If the Patriots want Judon on their roster in 2024, they probably should rework his deal. Judon is currently set to count $10.2 million against the salary cap, and the Patriots could kill two birds with one stone by appeasing their star sack artist while lowering his cap charge.
But New England also has a young, talented defense that played well for most of last season without Judon, who suffered a season-ending biceps tear in October. Given Judon’s age, injury history, and price tag, you could make a case for the Patriots trading Judon before camp.
In fact, you could argue for New England opting instead to give a new deal to Davon Godchaux, who’s the only true nose tackle on the roster. Godchaux also wants a new deal ahead of a contract season in which he isn’t guaranteed any money.
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Still, this is a tricky situation for the Patriots. Judon remains a top talent, a player who averaged 14 sacks per 17 games over the last three seasons while emerging as an emotional leader for the defense. Trading him could send a bad message to the locker room despite Wolf establishing a new precedent of rewarding players who deserve new contracts.
One thing’s for sure: This situation will be worth monitoring until it’s resolved.
Could Judon’s Contract Drama Become a Problem for the Patriots?
Judon has said all the right things this offseason — until last weekend. In an early June radio appearance, Judon said he wouldn’t let his contract status affect his practice participation as it did last summer, behavior he said was “trash.”
However, behind the scenes, the Patriots might have a problem on their hands. And it all could stem from the four-year, $92 million contract extension they gave defensive tackle Christian Barmore in April.
“(Judon) went on (the radio) and basically said he wasn’t gonna do what he did last year,” Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard said last month during an episode of his Patriots podcast. “I have reason to believe that will not be true.
“I will say there are rumblings that there are a couple of big contract issues with the Patriots — and they stem from Christian Barmore’s deal.”
The Patriots’ first training camp practice is scheduled for July 24, so they have time to figure things out with Judon and Godchaux. But the clock is ticking, and all signs point toward lingering contract headaches for Jerod Mayo and Company.