Last month, Matt Judon made it clear his absence from the voluntary portion of offseason workouts would not continue into mandatory minicamp. The Patriots’ top edge rusher is indeed present for the final aspect of the team’s offseason program. 
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Judon staged a hold-in during training camp last summer before a contract resolution was found. That has left him as a pending free agent due $7.5MM in 2024. Talks on an extension – one which would no doubt come with a raise – have taken place this offseason, though nothing appears to be imminent. In spite of that, Judon’s stance on his financial status suggests a repeat of 2023 should not be expected.
“I’m just gonna get ready to play,” the four-time Pro Bowler said during an appearance on The Rich Shertenlieb Show. “And you know, you kind of don’t – 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, you know. I ain’t really trying to do that… Because that, last year, that stuff was trash. I ain’t really like that.”
Of course, Judon’s potential leverage with respect to any further contract-related absences is limited compared to last season. The 31-year-old was held to just four games due to a biceps injury, and as a result his four sacks were his lowest single-season total since his rookie campaign. In his previous two New England seasons, though, Judon racked up 28 sacks. That production makes his accord a rather team-friendly one, something he is aware of but not looking to change.
“Maybe they didn’t know what I was gonna be in four years,” Judon added when referring to his original four-year, $54.5MM Patriots deal. “Maybe they knew exactly what I was gonna be, and it’s at a discount. That’s just how it happens. The money will come. It’ll come if I’m good enough, right? If they value what I do… I think my kids and stuff are gonna be set up for the rest of their life, [with] how much I have already been paid. So I’m gonna be all right whatever I get paid.”
The former fifth-rounder is set to carry a $14.68MM cap hit this season, and an extension could lower it while providing Judon with added security. Even if that does not take place, though, a smoother training camp process should be in store for team and player this summer.
OTC (over the cap) evaluates Judon’s 2023 performance at $1,506,000 so I should hope he doesn’t feel underpaid on that $54.5 million contract. If Judon can’t stay on the field, his value plummets.
I like Judon, but his best days are behind him.
He has been one bright spot last few years and clearly best defensive player before injury. He also had been consistently on field before injury.
He should go out and have a great year then leave that steaming pile of refuse behind.
Patriots still have a ton of cap space remaining and holes throughout the roster. Ownership is void of any value. Kraft family is very media savvy but truth is they are dismal owners. Maybe they can have another TV series of the cratering of the franchise.
Part one Kraft buys franchise screws over Ct with levering team sites. Bob gets busted getting tug jobs. They lose Brady because of fiscal policy. They fire coach then have media campaigns to smear him. Team has lowest consistent payroll over past decade. Facility is panned as one of worst in league. Team is rated as one of worst by players.
The Krafts are cheap and got lucky by hiring BB.