The New England Patriots’ offense has been atrocious in recent seasons, but their defense has, at times, been one of the better units in the NFL.
Since defensive end/linebacker Matthew Judon joined the team ahead of the 2021 season, the group has finished second, 11th and 15th in the league in points allowed per game. Judon has become the unquestioned leader on defense, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022 before suffering a season-ending bicep injury after just four games in 2023.
The 31-year-old signed a four-year, $54.5M deal with New England in March 2021. The two sides agreed to a contract adjustment last August, with Judon signing a $3M extension for 2023 that increased the guaranteed portion of salary from $2M to $14M.
He discussed the contract negotiation process on Tuesday.