Patriots
Although Judon is back in training, his contract situation does not appear to be considered a “solved” issue.
Matthew Judon’s contract situation has been a key topic of Patriots training camp. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe team
Matthew Judon’s contract situation with the Patriots appeared to reach a boiling point on Monday, but the situation appears to have cooled since then.
The contract situation involving the Patriots’ star pitcher has been “simmering” in recent days, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported in his Sunday column. However, Reiss noted that the situation is not considered a “resolved” issue, citing sources familiar with the situation.
Judon made it clear during the offseason that he wanted his contract adjusted in some way, given that he is in the final year of his current deal. He appeared to force the Patriots’ hand Monday, attending practice but not wearing any pads. He also appeared to have a heated discussion with coach Jerod Mayo before leaving the practice field.
After missing Tuesday’s practice, Judon has been back on the field in recent days. He has participated in each of the last three practices.
Mayo told reporters Saturday that Judon had “participated in every single drill,” though he declined to share further information about the star’s contract situation.
“We’re past the Judon thing,” Mayo said. “We’re both in a good place. I think the team is in a good place and we’re moving forward.”
Judon has a base salary of $6.5 million for the 2024 season while his salary cap hit is $14.68 million. With those numbers, Judon is slightly underpaid compared to the game’s top edge rushers. The top 10 edge rushers in the NFL all have an average annual salary of at least $22 million.
As Judon continues to seek a pay raise or extension, he recently refuted a report that he received a few offers to revive his contract.
“No they didn’t, but it still makes me look like a bad boy,” Judon wrote in a social media post. “Don’t believe the lies.”
Judon hasn’t spoken to reporters since returning to practice, and Reiss noted he’s been keeping a bit more of a low profile. This is the second straight training camp where Judon has been in a contract dispute with the Patriots, sitting out the first week of practice.
The situation was finally resolved when the Patriots adjusted Judon’s contract for the 2023 season. His guaranteed money increased from $2 million to $14 million.
Judon’s situation is a bit more complicated this season. He turns 32 in August and suffered a torn lower biceps last season that forced him to miss the final 13 games. The Patriots have also re-signed or extended several of their top players this offseason and in the first few weeks of training camp.
Judon had four sacks in four games before the injury that ended last season and has 32 sacks in three seasons with the Patriots.
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