Latest On Patriots, Matt Judon

AUGUST 4: Judon continues to participate in practice after his brief holdout, as Reiss observes. Multiple sources tell Reiss that the situation has “simmered” but is still unresolved since Judon’s contract has not yet been adjusted.

AUGUST 1: The Patriots ended one contract dispute yesterday by reaching an extension agreement with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The future of edge rusher Matt Judon remains a key talking point, however.

The latter did not participate in Monday’s padded practice, the first one of training camp. Judon was then absent altogether from Tuesday’s practice with communication ongoing between he and Patriots decision-makers. Wednesday was an off day for New England, and it allowed for head coach Jerod Mayo to have what he described as a “great meeting” with the four-time Pro Bowler.

“I have a great relationship with Matthew,” Mayo said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “I have a great relationship with the players. We’re moving forward… I always encourage those guys to come in and speak with me, or speak with [de facto general manager] Eliot [Wolf]. That’s what it is and those things should happen inside those walls.”

One year remains on Judon’s deal, and he is due $7.5MM in 2024. That figure includes a $6.5MM base salary which will not become guaranteed until just before Week 1. The 31-year-old joined Godchaux in expressing frustration with how numerous other in-house players received deals this offseason, the first of the Wolf-Mayo regime. Judon has reportedly received offers for a revised contract – not unlike the added incentives which temporarily ended his 2023 holdout – though he has publicly denied that.

In any case, the former fifth-rounder is taking part in Thursday’s practice, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald notes. That is an encouraging sign in this situation, although until a restructure or extension is worked out questions will continue to linger over Judon’s short- and long-term future with the organization. Having amassed 32 sacks in 33 Patriots games, he is positioned to remain a key member of the team’s front seven for at least one more year.

The Grand Valley State product was limited to just four games last season due to a biceps tear, however. His age and injury represent factors which could lead Wolf and Co. to hesitate with respect to giving out a long-term deal or, perhaps, even a one-year bump in pay. After a number of updates earlier in the week suggesting tensions had boiled over in this situation, though, a positive development appears to have taken place.