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Davon Godchaux

Patriots’ Davon Godchaux, Kyle Dugger Not Expected To Be Traded

November 3rd, 2024 at 6:17pm CST by Adam La Rose

Josh Uche was recently traded away, and Sunday’s loss leaves the Patriots firmly in the seller’s category. More moves could be coming as a result, but a pair of defenders appear to be off limits for potential suitors.

Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and safety Kyle Dugger are among the players who are not expected to be dealt ahead of the deadline, Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager reports (video link). On both counts, that comes as little surprise. Godchaux and Dugger each landed new contracts in the offseason, confirming their statues as members of the Bill Belichick era who were retained with Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo now at the helm.

Godcheaux was floated as a candidate for a trade sending him to the 49ers as a run-stopping reinforcement, but he made it clear he preferred to remain in New England. Barring something unforeseen, that will indeed prove to be the case. Dugger’s name had not previously been connected to serious negotiations, although Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Hearld notes calls have come in. It would come as a surprise if teams were willing to take on his four-year, $58MM pact (especially midway through a season).

As could be expected, New England has also turned aside trade calls asking about the availability of cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The 2023 first-rounder profiles as a foundational member of the team’s defense for many years, and he is set to be joined by Jonathan Jones in terms of staying in place beyond the November 5 deadline. The receiver spot remains one to watch closely over the coming days, though.

The Patriots have been shopping Tyquan Thornton in recent weeks, and K.J. Osborn‘s tumble down the depth chart could lead to his departure. The latter may end up being released in the event no trade partner is found, but in either event New England could be active in the immediate future (including, potentially, a move yielding an addition along the offensive line). Nonetheless, Godcheaux and Dugger should not be counted among the targets for teams looking to swing a deal.

Patriots DT Davon Godchaux Addresses Trade Speculation

October 27th, 2024 at 7:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

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.

Latest On 49ers’ Deadline Plans

October 26th, 2024 at 10:19pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers currently sit with a disappointing 3-4 record, but they’re also only a game behind the Seahawks for the NFC West lead. Considering the conflicting outlooks, there have been some questions about how the front office would proceed at the trade deadline.

It sounds like John Lynch and co. will generally be aggressive when it comes to acquiring players. Michael Silver of The Athletic wrote earlier this week that the 49ers could be eyeing help at defensive tackle and wide receiver. While the front office has to consider future cap constraints, the organization is still eyeing both “marquee” acquisitions and affordable, “less glamorous” options.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic points to two potential trade targets in New England: wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and defensive lineman Davon Godchaux. Bourne has already been connected to his former club, especially following Brandon Aiyuk‘s season-ending injury. Bourne dismissed recent rumors that he’s pushing for a San Francisco reunion, but the veteran wideout would be a seamless fit for the WR-needy offense.

Godchaux would also be a logical fit with Javon Hargrave lost for the season. The soon-to-be 30-year-old has started 57 of his 58 appearances in New England across four seasons. According to Russini, the 49ers have also considered making a run at two former players in DeForest Buckner (Colts) and D.J. Jones (Broncos), although the reporter hasn’t gotten the impression that their current squads have reciprocated the trade interest.

Christian McCaffrey will soon be providing some firepower to the offense, and the team will eventually get some defensive reinforcement in linebacker Dre Greenlaw. While the 49ers may not have started the 2024 campaign on the best foot, there’s still good reason for optimism in San Francisco. We also know the 49ers are not strangers to trade-deadline acquisitions, with the team adding Chase Young, Charles Omenihu, Emmanuel Sanders, and Jimmy Garoppolo in recent years.

However, while the organization will try their hardest to make a playoff push, they still may consider subtracting from their current roster. Popular trade candidate Deebo Samuel is likely staying put following Aiyuk’s injury, but Russini says the team could consider dealing impending free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward.

AFC East Notes: Reddick, Jets, Corley, Barmore, Patriots, Godchaux, Farley, Bills

September 3rd, 2024 at 9:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 49ers and Cowboys ended their holdouts recently, but the Jets‘ impasse persists. Robert Saleh has not made any recent contact with defensive end Haason Reddick. The fourth-year Jets HC confirmed he has not spoken to the team’s holdout edge rusher since before training camp. As one source informed veteran reporter Josina Anderson, “nothing has changed” in this standoff. Reddick is on the verge of missing out on an $838K came check. The trade acquisition has already cost himself more than $2MM in nonwaivable fines thanks to this holdout.

Having expected the Jets to revisit extension talks only to see the team balk at doing so, Reddick has not been seen in the building since his introductory news conference April 1. Reddick has requested a trade, and rumblings about him extending the holdout into the season have surfaced. The Jets, who have been linked to being open to sweetening Reddick’s Eagles-constructed deal rather than extending him in advance, are certainly short on time to integrate him into their defense before the 49ers opener.

Here is the latest from the AFC East:

  • Malachi Corley competed for the Jets’ slot receiver role in training camp, but the rookie third-rounder might be trending toward healthy-scratch status to begin his career. Xavier Gipson is expected to be the Jets’ slot receiver, and the New York Post’s Brian Costello does not see a path for Corley to be on the 48-man gameday roster Monday. Viewing the Western Kentucky alum as a long way away from being an offensive regular, Costello notes the rookie’s lack of a special teams role hurts his chances of suiting up early.
  • The Jets also created some cap space recently, adjusting Quincy Williams and Tyler Conklin‘s deals. The move created $8MM in cap space for the team, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. These moves will inflate the Jets’ cap-space total past $18MM.
  • While Christian Barmore is on the Patriots‘ reserve/NFI list, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms the team will continue to pay him his full salary. Considering Barmore is dealing with a blood clot issue, the Pats not paying him would have generated extensive backlash. Barmore signed a four-year, $84MM extension this offseason and already collected an $18MM signing bonus. Common with extensions, Barmore’s base salary is low ($1.82MM) in Year 1.
  • The Pats giving Barmore the $21MM-per-year extension affected Matt Judon‘s New England outlook, and SI.com’s Albert Breer notes it changed the equation for Davon Godchaux as well. Godchaux’s push for a raise intensified after the Pats paid Barmore. The veteran nose tackle held in during minicamp and expressed a desire for a new deal to open training camp. Paying numerous Bill Belichick-era pieces, New England’s Eliot Wolf-led front office agreed to terms with Godchaux on a two-year, $16.5MM deal soon after.
  • Caleb Farley struggled to stay healthy with the Titans and has not seen game action since November 2022. The 2021 first-round pick, whom the Titans waived last week, also missed camp time with a hamstring injury. The malady-prone cornerback auditioned for the Patriots on Tuesday, Yates tweets. Farley, 25, has two ACL tears and three back surgeries on his medical sheet since college.
  • The Bills also completed some minor restructures recently, with Yates noting the team adjusting DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa‘s deals. Both D-linemen re-signed with Buffalo this offseason. The moves created $2.78MM in cap space.
  • After the Vikings cut running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu, the Saints made a waiver claim but also moved on with a failed physical designation, the Jets checked in on him. Nwangwu visited the Jets on Monday, per KTSP’s Darren Wolfson. Nwangwu has three career kick-return TDs on his resume, each coming from 2021-22.

Patriots DT Davon Godchaux Addresses Extension Talks

August 23rd, 2024 at 11:18am CST by Adam La Rose

While the Patriots moved on from Matt Judon, the team was willing to commit to a new deal for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The latter’s public comments on his negotiation process provide further details on how his extension came to pass.

“I didn’t do anything in OTAs, I just worked out at the facility, and I went home,” the 29-year-old said during a recent episode of his Chaux Talk YouTube show (video link). “Training camp came and I remember having this conversation with [de facto GM] Eliot [Wolf]… He called me and was like, ‘Look, what’s going on? We want you to be out on the field practicing.’ I’m like, ‘Look, Eliot, I don’t have guarantees.'”

Godchaux made public his desire for a new Patriots deal, something a number of in-house players received during Wolf’s first offseason at the helm of the franchise. While the former fifth-rounder is not an impact pass rusher, his play against the run made him a candidate for another New England pact. While it took longer to work out than many of his teammates, an agreement was indeed reached at the end of July.

“Me and my agent ended up taking a whole other approach when it came to training camp,” Godchaux added. “I practiced in pads the first couple of days, and then about the third day in pads, I got paid. We were just like a million or two off.”

Indeed, non-participation in OTAs and minicamp was substituted by engaging in some activities during training camp. Godchaux’s comments confirm the parties were not far apart on contract terms, which explains how quickly his extension was hammered out. The LSU product secured a two-year pact featuring $16.65MM in guarantees, including locked in base salaries for the next two seasons. Godchaux is on the books through 2026.

Expectations will therefore be high for the former Dolphin, who has collected between 56 and 65 tackles in each of his three Patriots campaigns. Godchaux has served as a full-time starter in New England throughout his tenure with the team, and that will likely remain the case moving forward. His extension process illustrates the willingness shown by Wolf and Co. to keep several members of the previous regime’s core in place along with how close team and player were in this case to reaching agreement on a deal before training camp began.

Patriots To Extend DT Davon Godchaux

July 31st, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Patriots’ extension binge continues. One of the two disgruntled defenders who had not been participating fully at practice, Davon Godchaux has agreed to terms on a second Pats extension.

Godchaux, who had previously signed a New England re-up in 2022, will now be tied to a two-year, $16.5MM deal, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports. Joining Matt Judon in recently angling for a new contract, Godchaux can earn up to $21MM on his third Patriots agreement. This contract ties the veteran defensive tackle to the team through the 2026 season.

[RELATED: Patriots Submit Offers To Matt Judon]

Although Godchaux did not participate in Patriots minicamp, he was not a full-on hold-in at training camp. The former Dolphins starter had participated in some drills since camp opened, creating a far less contentious contract situation compared to Judon’s. The latter has gone from practicing to holding in to missing a practice due to contract frustration. It will be worth wondering how yet another Patriots payment will affect Judon, a free agent after this season.

For those keeping track, the Patriots have now either re-signed or extended Christian Barmore ($21MM per year), Michael Onwenu ($19MM AAV), Kyle Dugger ($14.5MM), Rhamondre Stevenson ($9MM), Hunter Henry ($9MM) and Jabrill Peppers ($8.3MM). They also re-upped Kendrick Bourne in free agency, giving the veteran wide receiver a $6.5MM-per-year accord. This is a remarkable turn of events — not only due to the Pats’ Bill Belichick-era past but after a 4-13 season.

While Judon is coming off a season-ending injury sustained early in Belichick’s finale, Godchaux has been a durable component of strong defenses. He has not missed a game as a Patriot, operating as a steady nose tackle in three years since relocating from Miami. Known for his work against the run, Godchaux now has security going into his age-30 season. He made 56 tackles (two for loss) last season.

Godchaux’s presence suddenly became more important after new about Barmore’s blood clot issue surfacing. The former has operated more as a run stuffer, with the latter leading the 2023 Pats in sacks (8.5). Jerod Mayo referred to Godchaux as one of the team’s best players. Although Pro Football Focus was not high on Godchaux’s 2023 work, rating him 102nd among interior D-linemen, the Patriots disagree and will pay him once again. This follows Godchaux’s two-year, $20.8MM agreement that came to pass two Julys ago.

It will be interesting to see how the Judon impasse ends, but the Pats have displayed tremendous commitment to the core Belichick formed. They are betting Mayo’s leadership — and improved quarterback play — will result in a turnaround.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Godchaux, Fins, Bills

July 31st, 2024 at 9:15am CST by Sam Robinson

Aaron Rodgers made a surprising push to come back from a September Achilles surgery last season. That predictably ended without the Jets quarterback suiting up again. Robert Saleh is now planning to keep his starter on ice until the games count again. The fourth-year Jets HC said he does not expect Rodgers to play during the preseason, though he noted (via the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy) he is still deciding with regards to his QB’s participation in the team’s preseason finale. Rodgers sat out the first two Jets preseason games last year but received some work — after pushing Saleh for a chance to suit up, despite not having previously played in the preseason since 2018 — in the third contest. Teams generally park their starters for the third preseason game, and while it would be interesting to see how Rodgers looks post-surgery, it currently appears Week 1 will be his first appearance.

Here is the latest from the AFC East:

Latest On Patriots’ Plans With Matt Judon, Davon Godchaux

July 27th, 2024 at 10:14am CST by Sam Robinson

Deviating from their Bill Belichick-era ways with a spree of lucrative extensions this offseason, the Patriots have created a new problem of sorts. By rewarding a host of talent since Eliot Wolf took over as the new front office boss, the contract-year players who have not been paid are making some noise.

Both Matt Judon and Davon Godchaux are on track for free agency in 2025. As payments have gone to Christian Barmore, Michael Onwenu, Kyle Dugger, Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry and now Jabrill Peppers, the Pats’ front-seven pieces are not exactly happy campers upon reporting. Rarely known for big spending under Belichick, the Pats are among this year’s top-10 spenders in terms of cash.

[RELATED: Peppers Becomes Latest Pats Extension Recipient]

Judon, who did not participate fully during last year’s training camp before seeing his contract adjusted, said (via the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed) he would play on his current contract but would prefer not to. Understandably, the accomplished edge rusher said (via NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran) the Pats’ slew of contracts handed out has made him a bit envious. Though, Judon noted he wants to stay in New England.

A report earlier this month indicated the Patriots and Judon were not close on a new deal. Going into his fourth season with the team, Judon is attached to a $6.5MM base salary — as part of 2023’s two-year, $22.5MM reworking — and a $14.7MM cap number. For his part, Jerod Mayo said both he and Wolf want Judon and DT Davon Godchaux in place beyond 2024. Though, the new Pats HC stopped short of guaranteeing deals are coming.

“Look, the relationship is still good, at least from my perspective,” Mayo said, via MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian. “Those are valuable pieces of this organization, and they’ve done a lot for us. Hopefully, we can get something done, and those guys are here. I want them here. Eliot wants them here. The team wants them here. There is a business aspect to everything, though.”

Given the change atop the front office and the 2023 team having gone 4-13, the Patriots’ roster-retention effort has been a bit strange. And New England will eventually put a stop to the dollars going out to in-house players, leaving some without a chair when the music stops. It is certainly possible Judon, who will turn 32 next month after missing most of last season due to injury, will be one of the players not paid this year. Godchaux, 29, has been a reliable defender for the Pats; the veteran D-tackle has never missed a game in three seasons with the team, operating as a starter throughout that span.

The Pats already gave Godchaux a pay bump in 2022, reaching an extension with the ex-Dolphins DT. He is currently on a two-year, $20.8MM deal. Godchaux, 29, did not participate at Patriots minicamp. That said, the run-stuffing D-lineman wants to stay with the Pats. No guarantees remain on Godchaux’s deal, and while he labeled that “frustrating” (via Curran), his $7.15MM salary will lock in just before Week 1 as a vested veteran.

Godchaux pointed to multiple recent contracts as comps for his own value, referencing the Colts’ latest Grover Stewart accord (three years, $39MM) and the Browns’ 2023 Dalvin Tomlinson terms (four years, $57MM) when discussing his situation. Pro Football Focus has not been as bullish on Godchaux, ranking him outside the top 90 among interior D-linemen over the past two seasons.

“The run-player market has gone up too, not just the pass-rush market,” Godchaux said, via ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss. “I have no doubt the Patriots and Drew [Rosenhaus] will get a deal done. If not, it’s a business. I’m not going to be sad and angry. Still love them but I just have to do what’s best for me.”

Vikings Targeting DL, CB This Summer

June 30th, 2024 at 9:02pm CST by Ely Allen

In a recent mailbag Q&A, Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted two positions that are likely to be subject to additions this summer and in free agency next year for the Vikings: defensive tackle and cornerback. While there were some attempts to address each position already this offseason, there is likely much more work to be done in Minnesota.

On the defensive line, Minnesota is running it back with Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard as two of their starters in a three-man front. Unfortunately, neither really stood out as strong players at their position with Lewis noting specifically that Phillips and Bullard ranked as two of the worst interior pass rushers in the NFL last year. Last year’s fifth-round rookie Jaquelin Roy could potentially take the next step after playing in an extremely minor role last season.

The team did make two free agent additions, signing Jerry Tillery and Jonah Williams back in March. Tillery had a bit of a resurgent season last year in Las Vegas after falling out of favor with the Chargers. Williams saw his first full-time starting role for the Rams last year, starting all but one game in 2023. This provides a bevy of options as the Vikings plan their rotation on the defensive line. It’s hard to say just how much of an improvement this will be; it will really depend on who steps up this summer to grab starting positions.

That being said, all four of Phillips, Bullard, Tillery, and Williams have expiring contracts after this season. Lewis notes that this will make the position just as much of a position-of-focus next year in free agency, as well. While one or a few of the above names may prove to be worth re-signing, Lewis already pegs veteran division-rival Kenny Clark as a target free agent next spring. He tabs Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat as potential targets, as well.

At cornerback, Byron Murphy and Akayleb Evans return as two starters while veteran Shaquill Griffin comes in as a new starter on the outside, allowing Murphy to play a bit more in the slot, if necessary. Evans has overperformed as a recent fourth-round pick, while his draft classmate Andrew Booth, a former second-rounder, has failed to establish himself in the rotation. There are no real stars in this position group, though Griffin has displayed the ability to be one of the better players at the position in past years.

Like on the defensive line, though, Murphy and Griffin will both be free agents next year, making cornerback a position of focus in 2025, as well. As for future targets at cornerback, Lewis likes Jets corner D.J. Reed and San Francisco’s Charvarius Ward.

None of the free agents Lewis suggests are necessarily stars at their position, and most are in their older years, but all would provide an improvement to what the Vikings currently have on the roster. There are still several months for Minnesota to continue addressing those positions, and there’s still every possibility that the current Vikings will step up and prove that they belong and are good enough to keep around beyond this year.

DL Davon Godchaux Wants To Stay With Patriots

June 25th, 2024 at 5:27pm CST by Ben Levine

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.

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