Patriots Set Deadline for Current Extension Negotiations

The New England Patriots haven’t gone out of their way this offseason to make a ton of outside free-agent signings, as GM Eliot Wolff has prioritized retaining their own players. 

The Pats have re-signed veterans Mike Owenu, Kyle Dugger, Kendrick Bourne, Jahlani Tavai, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Christian Barmore to lucrative multi-year contracts. New England believes in their core group of guys and wants to keep them for the long haul.

However, star linebacker Matthew Judon and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux have yet to get their extensions, leaving them in an interesting position heading into training camp. Both players have expressed their desires and wants for a new deal this offseason.

The Patriots’ brass understands this and reportedly have a soft deadline to get deals done with Judon and Godchaux.

Patriots Rumors: New England Wants Contract-Related Matters Done by First Practice of Training Camp

In his weekly notes column, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported Sunday that the Patriots “would ideally” want to have all contract-related matters wrapped up by the first training camp practice on July 24.

"The Patriots would ideally like to have all contract-related matters buttoned up by the first practice July 24, giving Mayo a clear football runway as he begins his first training camp as coach. So that leaves another 10 days to resolve the status of the likes of outside linebacker Matthew Judon and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (and possibly others)."

It’s a smart move by the Patriots to set this deadline, so it doesn’t become a distraction during camp and heading into the regular season. With Mayo entering his first year as the Pats head coach, he doesn’t need to have contract talks lingering over his head.

That said, New England should try to ink Judon and Godchaux to multi-year deals, especially since they have one of the better defensive units in the league. 

Last season, Judon played four games because of injury. But when he’s healthy, the veteran pass rusher can produce double-digit sacks, which he did in his first two years with the Patriots.

Meanwhile, Godchaux has been a solid nose tackle in the middle of the Patriots’ defensive line, starting in 50 out of 51 games over the last three years. Last season with the Pats, he produced 56 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit.

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