FOXBORO, Mass. — Compared to his predecessor, Jerod Mayo has been an open book when speaking to New England Patriots reporters. But he took a page out of Bill Belichick’s book on Thursday morning — albeit with a smile.
Mayo fielded a series of questions about star edge rusher Matthew Judon, who missed the last two practices due to a contract dispute and has gone public with his request for a new deal. Mayo offered a bit more than Belichick would’ve, but he mostly deflected the toughest questions he’s faced since the start of training camp.
How Jerod Mayo Handled Latest Questions About Matthew Judon Contract
Mayo, who began his news conference roughly 10 minutes early, addressed the Judon situation in his opening statement. And it was then that he began singing a Belichickian tone.
“I know a lot of questions today will be about Judon and things like that,” Mayo said. “But just so you guys know, my philosophy, and our philosophy, is to keep as much internal as possible. Had a great meeting with Judon and we’re all moving forward.”
Mayo added: “I remember, as a player, it’s always a difficult time. It’s always a difficult time going through contract negotiations.”
Mayo then said Judon would practice — and he wasn’t lying. Judon was a full participant for the non-padded session; however, it’s unclear whether he would’ve practiced if the Patriots were in pads. Judon now has participated in all five non-padded practices but is 0 for 2 in fully padded sessions.
Jerod Mayo: Keeping things in-house with Matthew Judon but expect Judon to practice today. pic.twitter.com/VU3TKhAaY9
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2024
Here’s everything else Mayo said about Judon, who’s entering a contract season and isn’t guaranteed any money:
On they’re meeting during the off day: “It was good. It was healthy. I always encourage those guys to come in and speak with me, or speak with [executive vice president of player personnel] Eliot [Wolf]. That’s what it is and those things should happen inside those walls.”
On his animated, public discussion with Judon on Monday: “As a first-time head coach and first time in pads, I’ll always remember what happened that day. In saying that, we had a conversation. I have a great relationship with Matthew. I have a great relationship with the players. But, we’re moving forward.”
On whether Judon being away from the facility on Tuesday was a team decision: “I’m not ready to talk about that right now.”
So, yeah, not the most illuminating answers. However, given how public-facing Judon’s contract drama has been, Mayo was wise to lower the temperature.
PFN Analysis: Mayo Did the Right Thing
Mayo could’ve called out Judon, who would’ve deserved it. The star edge rusher is undeniably underpaid, but that doesn’t mean he’s justified in throwing temper tantrums during practice and calling out his team on social media.
But with a first-year head coach still learning the ropes, the Patriots need to focus on football and not contract-driven sideshows involving star players. Belichick often went too far with his disingenuous press conferences, but there was a method to his madness. Talking to reporters about contracts doesn’t serve anyone.
As for how this story ends, your guess is as good as ours. But the situation in its current state isn’t sustainable, and the Patriots need to make a decision soon — one way or another.