The New England Patriots and star pass rusher Matthew Judon have yet to finalize a new contract, which could be seen as a setback for the organization.
According to Henry McKenna of Fox Sports, Judon has requested a new deal, and while the Patriots have made an offer, the two sides “are not currently close to agreeing to a new deal.” Judon, who is in the final year of his contract, is set to make just $6.5 million in 2024. Since joining the Patriots in 2021, the 31-year-old has played 114 games, recording 133 total tackles, 32 sacks, and 33 tackles for loss.
With Bill Belichick no longer in charge, it seemed like New England’s days of letting star players like Lawyer Milloy and Asante Samuel leave over contract disputes were over. The Patriots had developed a reputation for lacking player loyalty by letting stars go after they finished taking team-friendly deals.
This offseason, the Patriots appeared to be changing course with Jerod Mayo as head coach and Eliot Wolf leading the front office. They retained key players like Kendrick Bourne, Christian Barmore, David Andrews, and Jahlani Tavai. Andrews’ signing is particularly notable, as under Belichick, an aging veteran like him might have ended his career elsewhere. Andrews’ deal, worth up to $13 million with incentives, contrasts with the Patriots’ past penny-pinching approach.
The Patriots should find a way to bring back Judon. Although he struggled with injuries in 2023, playing only four games, Judon has been a top defender for the team.
If Judon leaves New England, it would indicate that the organization is reverting to its old habits, and without the legendary coach Belichick, the Patriots can’t afford to do so.