New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon is entering the final year of his contract and seeking an extension, but it is looking grim that the veteran will be putting pen to paper anytime soon.
According to Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna, the two sides “are not currently close to agreeing to a new deal.”
Deadlines tend to spur action and there is always the chance that Judon and the Patriots reach some sort of an agreement before New England reports to training camp. However, it’s equally possible that Judon plays out the final year of his contract and is set to cash in next offseason.
Judon, 31, is looking to return to form after appearing in just four games following a torn biceps tendon suffered during the 2023 campaign.
Back in 2022, Judon proved he can still be a disruptive force off the edge, finishing with 15.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
Will Matthew Judon Hold Out From New England Patriots Training Camp?
Regardless of where things currently stand, Judon says he’ll be in training camp with his teammates when the Patriots report later this month.
“Right now, I’m just going to get ready to play,” Judon said on The Rich Shertenlieb Show. “You kind of keep throwing tantrums, tantrums, tantrums — and then you don’t come out there and do what you’re supposed to do — it kind of gets old real fast. I ain’t really trying to do that. I’m just trying to come out here and play football, get ready for this upcoming season, and put our defense and ourselves in a position to where we can win the most games, or to be the most effective.
“I ain’t worried about holding out, sitting out, or sitting in, kind of protesting. I’m just going to come out here and play ball, because last year, that stuff was trash. I ain’t really like that. I’m a football player. I don’t really want to get into the agency side. So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to come out here and play some football.”
There is an argument to be made that playing out the final year of his deal could prove to be the ultimate audition for Judon, who might be able to leverage increased production with a larger contract from the Patriots or any other team via free agency.
