Davon Godchaux’s contract dispute with the New England Patriots is over.
The veteran nose tackle agreed to a two-year extension, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to break the news. Let’s get into the details of the deal, plus what it could mean for the Patriots’ other disgruntled defender.
Davon Godchaux Contract Drama Finally Ends
Godchaux’s deal is reportedly worth $21 million over two seasons with $16.5 million guaranteed. The contract mirrors the extension Godchaux signed in 2022, a two-year, $20.8 million pact with $17.85 million guaranteed.
Another extension in New England: Patriots and standout DT Davon Godchaux reached agreement on a two-year extension worth up to $21 million that includes $16.5 million guaranteed. The Deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus, Jason Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha. pic.twitter.com/pyPu4VeGQH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2024
Godchaux was set to enter a contract season without any guaranteed money. At the time of this writing, it wasn’t clear whether his new deal guarantees money in 2024 and 2025 but voids in 2026, or truly locks in the 29-year-old for the next three seasons.
Regardless, he now can focus on football.
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Godchaux, like Matthew Judon, went public with his desire for a new deal. However, unlike his teammate the last two days, Godchaux has been a full participant throughout Patriots training camp aside from one injury-related absence.
Godchaux’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, watched Monday’s practice and was seen speaking with head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh. The writing was on the wall and, now, Godchaux has his new deal.
Now, all eyes are on Judon.
PFN Analysis: The Patriots Needed to Make This Deal, But What Does it Mean for Matthew Judon?
Early in camp, Judon admitted he was “jealous” and “envious” after seeing so many of his teammates receive new deals during the offseason. And he had a point.
The Patriots re-signed or extended the following players this offseason:
- S Jabrill Peppers
- DT Christian Barmore
- C David Andrews
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson
- S Kyle Dugger
- OT Mike Onwenu
- TE Hunter Henry
- WR Kendrick Bourne
- LB Jahlani Tavai
- LB Josh Uche
- LB Anfernee Jennings
Now, you can add Godchaux to the list.
Perhaps Judon knew the deal was coming, thus explaining his public temper tantrum during Monday’s practice. He wasn’t even at the facility on Tuesday — potentially setting the stage for punishment — and, on Wednesday, debunked “lies” about the Patriots offering him a new deal after consecutive practice absences.
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Judon, arguably New England’s best defensive player, is also entering a contract year without any guaranteed money. And the Godchaux extension, plus Barmore’s recent blood clot diagnosis, could further embolden him as he continually escalates his contract feud with the Patriots.
One thing we know for certain: Mayo will face many questions about this topic on Thursday when he meets with reporters.