Another day, another wrinkle in the ongoing contract dispute between Matthew Judon and the New England Patriots.
A new report claims New England recently offered a new contract to Judon, who didn’t participate in the last two training camp practices. But the star edge rusher, who’s gone public with his desire for a new deal, shot down the report while firing a shot at the Patriots.
Matthew Judon Refutes Rumor of New Contract Offer from Patriots
Judon threw a temper tantrum on Monday, and fans and reporters could see his animated discussions with head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots power brokers Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh. Judon reportedly wasn’t even at the facility on Tuesday, potentially setting the stage for punishment from the Patriots.
Since then, the Patriots have offered a contract to Judon, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
“Matthew Judon was absent from yesterday’s practice because he seeks a revised contract,” Russini wrote on the X platform. “Since then the Patriots have made an offer, per source. This could help move things in the right direction.”
That’s a positive development, right? Well, not so fast.
Judon debunked the report in a reply to X user GP_CC3.
“No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again,” Judon wrote. “Don’t believe the lies.”
No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again. Don’t believe the lies
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 31, 2024
To make matters worse for Judon, shortly after he sent his tweet, the Patriots reportedly agreed with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux on a two-year, $21 million extension.
That leaves Judon, arguably New England’s best player, as the Patriots’ only obvious extension candidate yet to reach a new deal.
PFN Analysis: Things Getting Nasty Between Judon and Patriots
This thing gets uglier by the day.
In the spring, Judon, who’s entering a contract year and isn’t guaranteed any money, promised not to let his contract dispute affect his practice participation as it did last year. Mere weeks later, he’s singing a far more antagonistic tune.
He held court on his contract drama during a media availability early in camp. He’s retweeted trade proposals. He stormed around the field in street clothes on Monday. He’s called out the Patriots in multiple podcast appearances. And, now, he’s accusing the franchise of using reporters to control the narrative.
In this podcast with @MarcLewisIsCool, Matthew Judon bemoans that the Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL and haven’t extended him. And he says he made an offer that they haven’t responded to yet. pic.twitter.com/9Q9qHjmSKq
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) July 29, 2024
Unfortunately, there isn’t any easy way out for the Patriots.
Option 1: Pay Judon and establish a precedent that complaining about contracts and acting out at practice will get you paid.
Option 2: Trade Judon and further weaken a pass rush that might be without Christian Barmore for the entire season.
Option 3: Don’t pay Judon, keep him around, and allow a distraction to linger over a young, rebuilding team.
Perhaps Judon has a change of heart in the coming days. Maybe there’s an off-ramp that would satisfy everyone, and we just haven’t thought of it.
MORE: Patriots Camp Report: Jacoby Brissett-Drake Maye Competition Isn’t Close
However, at this point, there aren’t any good solutions for the Patriots, who obviously would be better with Judon on the roster.
One way or another, the Patriots need to make a decision soon. They have enough to worry about on offense without having their best defensive player create a sideshow for everyone to see.