Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Matthew Judon-Patriots Drama Takes Another Wild Turn on Wednesday

The veteran pass rusher refuted a report from The Athletic claiming he was offered a contract.

By Jovan Alford

Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) runs onto the practice field at minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) runs onto the practice field at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

New England Patriots star pass rusher Matthew Judon has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons at training camp this week. Judon and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo were seen having a disagreement at training camp on Monday.

The veteran pass rusher didn’t participate in practice and looked visibly frustrated walking off the field. It’s been an interesting offseason for the veteran pass rusher as he’s seen multiple players receive extensions this offseason and in training camp.

Mike Giradi of the Boston Sports Journal reported on Wednesday that the Patriots and Judon were still “far, far, far apart” in contract negotiations as of Tuesday morning. Judon’s change in demeanor likely hasn’t helped his cause as he said to start training camp that he didn’t want to be traded.

Fast forward a week later, Judon called out Pats fans and made it clear that he wants the team to use their cap space to get a deal done.

Nonetheless, the Patriots brass doesn’t seem fazed by Judon’s recent antics and reportedly made a contract offer.

Diana Russini of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Judon was absent from Tuesday’s practice as he wants a revised contract. However, the Patriots have made an offer since the pass rusher decided not to show up.

After this report came out, Judon immediately refuted it on social media, calling it a lie and saying it made him look bad.

It's clear that this saga is not ending any time soon and instead, just beginning for the Patriots and Judon. It's not shocking to see why Judon is frustrated as he's now seen Jabrill Peppers and Davon Godchaux receive extensions in training camp.

For the Patriots to be successful this season and improve from their four-win mark, they need Judon leading the defensive line. Last season, Judon only played in four games due to injury. 

However, before the 2023 season, the 31-year-old had back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in 2021 and ‘22. The Patriots would love to see Judon get back to that level, but they first must resolve this ongoing contract situation.

More Patriots news and analysis:

feed

Home/New England Patriots