The New England Patriots have been busy re-signing players in preparation for the upcoming 2024 season, but one key player who has not yet reached a contract agreement is four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon.
Judon, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $54.5 million deal, is set to make $6.5 million this season. While the Patriots have reportedly made an offer for an extension, negotiations are currently at a standstill according to FOX Sports’ Henry McKenna.
Despite Judon’s impressive performance in his first two seasons with the Patriots, where he recorded 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 sacks in 2022, his 2023 season was cut short due to an elbow injury after the team increased his fully guaranteed money from $2 million to $14 million. This injury, along with the team’s long-term plans, may be contributing to the lack of progress in contract talks.
Marc Bertrand, a host on 98.5 The Sports Hub, expressed his thoughts on the situation, suggesting that the Patriots may be hesitant to offer Judon a significant raise given his age and recent injury history. Bertrand noted that the team has prioritized signing and extending players who are part of their long-term plans, and Judon may not fit into that category.
While Judon participated in mandatory minicamp last month despite the ongoing contract negotiations, his status for training camp, which begins later this month, remains uncertain. Patriots veterans are expected to report to Gillette Stadium on July 23, with the first practice scheduled for the following day.
As the Patriots continue to navigate contract discussions with Judon, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on whether the two sides can come to an agreement before the start of the season. Judon’s future with the team remains uncertain, but his performance in the upcoming months could play a significant role in determining his fate with the Patriots beyond the 2024 season.