The New England Patriots’ month break is finally over. The Patriots completed mandatory minicamp five and a half weeks ago on Thursday, June 13. Rookies reported to training camp last Friday, while veterans will report on Tuesday. Their first practice will begin on Wednesday when practice is open to the public.
One intriguing storyline surrounding the team ahead of training camp is whether their elite pass rusher will report to camp.
The New England Patriots 4-time Pro Bowl EDGE rusher seeks a new contract
Matthew Judon wants a contract extension since he is in the final year of his 4-year, $54.5 million contract. He has a base salary of $6.5 million, a cap hit of $14.675 million, and $0 guaranteed for 2024, per Spotrac. He is currently the 26th-highest-paid EDGE rusher (APY) and has the 14th-highest cap hit for 2024, per Over The Cap.
He is also recovering from a biceps tear that ended his season in Week 4. He missed OTAs but attended mandatory minicamp because he didn’t want to give any money away.
Did Matthew Judon report to training camp?
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Judon reports to training camp.
The #Patriots had everyone report today, including veterans Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux, who are both entering the final years of their contracts.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2024
Their new head coach hopes they could get a deal done.
Jerod Mayo endorses an extension for Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux
“The relationship is still good, at least from my perspective. I know their teammates definitely respect them. They are valuable pieces to the organization and they’ve done a lot for us. Hopefully we get something done. We want them here, Eliot [Wolf] wants them here, the team wants them here,” said Mayo. “There is a business aspect to everything though. … We want those guys here and are going to do everything possible to keep those guys.”
Why the New England Patriots should and shouldn’t extend him
The Patriots should extend Matthew Judon for four reasons. First, they have plenty of cap space. They have $43 million now and $84 million in 2025. Second, he has a few good years left. Third, he’s arguably one of the best players on the team. Finally, players enjoy playing with him.
Four reasons why the Patriots shouldn’t extend Judon. First, he’s coming off a season-ending biceps injury that limited him to four games. Second, he turns 32 this August. Third, they could get trade compensation for him. Finally, he might ask to get paid top dollar.
Will the Patriots extend him before the season?
