FOXBORO, Mass. — Davon Godchaux technically attended the New England Patriots‘ minicamp, but saying he participated in the mandatory practices would be a major stretch.
On Monday, Godchaux, who’s entering a contract year, checked all the boxes for a minicamp hold-in: He suited up but never put on his helmet and never participated in team drills. He also never went to the lower practice field to join players rehabbing injuries.
Head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about Godchaux before Wednesday’s practice, which featured more of the same from the veteran nose tackle.
Jerod Mayo Confirms Hold-In for Davon Godchaux
We know how Bill Belichick would’ve handled questions about Godchaux’s situation.
“Yeah, I’m not commenting on anyone’s contract status,” he would’ve said between grumbles and snorts.
Compared to Belichick, Mayo is an open book, and he showed as much when asked about Godchaux on Wednesday morning.
“Look, we want him here,” Mayo said. “He’s one of our best players. He’s working. I will say that. He is working. He’s here every single day, has been here every single day. We look forward to getting him on the field in camp.”
Mayo then was asked whether Godchaux’s hold-in was similar to what we saw last year from Matthew Judon, who attended minicamp but didn’t participate amid a contract dispute (Judon recently said his actions last year were “trash“).
“I wouldn’t put it in those words,” Mayo said “But there are guys that, obviously, they want to redo contracts and stuff like that. And not just [Godchaux]; it’s a bunch of guys that want to do those things, and we’re working through it. Eliot [Wolf] and his staff, they do a great job as far as handling that. I don’t get into the player contracts.”
Mayo then offered this: “One thing I’ve learned is sometimes the value that the team has on a person is a little bit different than the value that the market has on a person. So, those are just things I’m learning.”
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Perhaps Mayo was speaking generally about contract discussions. However, you certainly could interpret his remarks as indicative of Godchaux and the Patriots not being on the same page.
Regardless, Godchaux has all the leverage. He’s the only true nose tackle on a defense that demands strong nose tackle play — and he knows it.
What Are Godchaux’s Contract Details?
Godchaux, whom Belichick once described as one of the “best” defensive linemen in the NFL, is entering the final year of an extension he signed two years ago.
The 30-year-old is due $7.15 million in 2024, but none of it is guaranteed. He also will count $11.8 million against the salary cap.
The Patriots could cut or trade Godchaux this summer for a net cap savings of $8.3 million. That’s a significant number.
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However, Godchaux probably is worth more on the roster than off. While not an elite defensive tackle, he is a rock-solid nose tackle — especially against the run — who started all but one game since joining the Patriots in 2021. He also is a respected, vocal leader inside the locker room.
Ultimately, the best course of action would be for New England to rework Godchaux’s contract to lower his 2024 cap number while satisfying his salary desires. The Patriots shouldn’t overpay for someone like Godchaux but should find a way to get a deal done before training camp.