Contract talks between the Patriots and standout pass rusher Matthew Judon have reached a deadlock.
Judon is now in the latter year of a four-year, $54.5 million contract that he agreed to with New England in 2021. This season, his debt is only $6.5 million, which is a low price for one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.
The 32-year-old was excellent in his first two seasons wearing a Patriots uniform until suffering a biceps injury that ended his season in 2023. He received votes for AP Defensive Player of the Year after recording a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2021 and then surpassing that tota nol with 15.5 sacks in 2022.
Before the injury last year, Judon had four games with 4.0 sacks. He’s fully recovered and will be prepared for the 2024 season
Prior to training camp, Judon was allegedly given a contract extension by New England; however, the defensive end denied the rumour on social media. He missed two days of practice while negotiations over a contract extension proceeded, and on one of those days, he was observed getting into a furious argument with new head coach Jerod Mayo before being sent home.
Since then, Judon has resumed practicing fully and is anticipated to play for the Patriots as long as he is under contract. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “multiple teams” have allegedly enquired about his availability.
Though New England hasn’t indicated that it wants to deal its top defensive player just yet, if Judon does become available, where may he wind up? What Sporting News says a look at a potential trade
