Tensions between the New England Patriots and edge-rusher Matthew Judon could still be bubbling.
On Wednesday, Judon denied a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that said the Patriots offered him a new contract.
On Monday, Judon — entering the final year of a four-year, $54.5M deal — refused to participate in padded practice. He also left the field after having animated conversations with head coach Jerod Mayo, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that multiple players said they didn’t see Judon at New England’s facility.
Judon held out at training camp last offseason before the Patriots reworked his contract. He could use a similar strategy this offseason, as he’s unhappy about his deal.
“I don’t want to be the villain, I don’t want to be the bad guy. But it’s like, shoot, bro, help me out, we got the most cap in the league right now,” Judon said in a recent appearance on the “Shut Up Marc Podcast.” “I wrote out my own contract… they just ain’t respond yet.”
Judon, who turns 32 in August, suffered a torn bicep and missed 13 games last season. New England probably doesn’t want to give an aging pass-rusher a colossal extension, even if he’s a four-time Pro Bowler.
However, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, 29, agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $21M, including $16.5M guaranteed. Perhaps New England is signaling it’s willing to pay veterans like Judon.
Regardless, the Patriots must resolve the contract drama soon. They don’t want the situation to potentially linger over the team for the rest of training camp.