Davon Godchaux‘s name emerged in trade talk this weekend, even though he is under contract through 2026. The eighth-year defensive tackle spoke about the matter after the Patriots’ Week 8 win. 
“Yeah, I was shocked, but at the end of the day, this is a business,” Godchaux told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald when asked about his status as a potential 49ers target. “I’m sure some guys think they could be on the team for a long time, and something happens. This is the business of the NFL. This is what we signed up for.”
The 2024 offseason saw New England’s new organizational leaders (de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo) commit to retaining several Bill Belichick-era players. That was particularly true on defense, although in Godchaux’s case he did not see his desire for a new deal met quickly. In the wake of Christian Barmore landing a big-ticket extension, the former Dolphin changed his outlook regarding his approach to negotiations. Godchaux participated to an extent during training camp after making his desire for a new deal public.
In the end, team and player reached agreement on a two-year, $18MM deal. Godchaux did not have any guaranteed money remaining on his previous contract, but his new one included a $10MM signing bonus and locked in his salaries for 2024 ($1.65MM) and 2025 ($4MM). As a result, the 29-year-old is not a rental, something which of course is the case for many players who are dealt midseason.
“I’m happy to be here,” Godchaux added. “I’m here. Right now, I’m here where my feet are, and I’m here with New England Patriots. I’m happy to be here.”
New England’s come-from-behind win on Sunday only improved the team to 2-6, so it would come as no surprise if a seller’s stance were to be adopted ahead of the November 5 deadline. Contending teams looking to shore up their run defense could show interest in Godchaux, but his remarks make it clear he does not expect to be moved.