Davon Godchaux is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2024. While responding to a post on X last night, the defensive tackle made it clear that he wants to continue his career in New England. Of course, the impending free agent also acknowledged that the Patriots would have to make a “fair” offer.
“Hopefully we can get something done that’s fair to me and my team before camp starts!” Godchaux wrote. “I love NE, I would love to retire here but it’s has to make sense for us! What I do on the football field in the trenches most of time doesn’t show on the stat sheet but turn on the film you will see it if “U know” ball! Would love to finish my career here in NE but it has to make sense to me and my team!”
A former Dolphins fifth-round pick, Godchaux joined the Patriots on a two-year deal in 2021. After starting 16 of his 17 appearances during his first season in New England, Godchaux signed a two-year, $20.8MM extension with the organization ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Over the past two seasons, Godchaux has started all 34 of the Patriots’ regular season contests, combining for 118 tackles and 1.5 sacks over that span. Pro Football Focus hasn’t been particularly fond of his performance over that two-year sample. After ranking him 91st among qualifying interior defenders in 2022, Godchaux fell to 102nd (among 130 qualifiers) in 2023. Still, the Patriots clearly value his experience and availability, two attributes that could come in handy for the rebuilding squad.
Godchaux will account for an $11.8MM cap hit in 2024, although none of his potential earnings are guaranteed (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss). The team will surely keep the 29-year-old around for the upcoming campaign. The team lacks experienced starting options behind the veteran, with Daniel Ekuale, Armon Watts, Jeremiah Pharms, and Sam Roberts representing the backups in the middle of the defensive line.
He isn’t all that great, but he’s not terrible either.
Yeah, Godchaux peaked early and fell quickly. Not a bad career, but nothing to write home about.
Belichick said at one point that he was one of the best at his position in the entire NFL. I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m missing the whole time. Like Fixed League and Ak said, he’s not necessarily bad but I don’t see how he’s worth the money Belichick was paying him. That’s a very good sized contract for Belichick to give out to a role player. Must be something I’m missing.
I suppose that he was referring to Godchaux’s work in Miami. He looked like an underrated up and comer there. After his first year, maybe two, in New England, he really lost whatever he had going in. It’s ironic how Belichick was able to field such a good defense and with so many non-stars…and somehow Godchaux got worse. Who knows, maybe he had an undisclosed injury, or lacked motivation (though he sounds committed), or there was a role change that we didn’t see. Maybe he just lost his quickness early randomly.
Whatever it was, his only advantage over the others at this moment seems to be his experience. I don’t know if Godchaux realizes that he hasn’t put forth a good product lately. He probably needs New England more than they need him as it stands now.