Patriots’ Matthew Judon’s honest take on Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick

Matthew Judon is among several New England Patriots players who support Jerod Mayo’s promotion to head coach following Bill Belichick’s departure. Speaking to WEEI during the opening of his restaurant in Dallas, Judon expressed his enthusiasm for the Patriots’ defense this upcoming season under Mayo’s leadership.

“I think our defense had many good moments throughout the season,” Judon told WEEI. “And I think Mayo is going to be an amazing head coach for us, helping us out and trying to right the ship.”

The Patriots’ defense was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging 2023 season, ranking seventh in yards allowed (301.6 per game) and fourth in rushing defense (93.2 rushing yards allowed per game).

Despite Judon’s absence for most of the season due to a torn bicep, Mayo’s impact as the linebackers coach was evident. With Belichick’s departure, Mayo’s promotion to head coach has allowed the Patriots to retain many key defensive pieces. DeMarcus Covington was promoted to defensive coordinator, and the team re-signed edge rushers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.

Judon expressed his excitement about retaining Uche and Jennings, calling them “like my brothers.” Both players signed new contracts with the Patriots this offseason. Uche signed a one-year, $3 million deal, aiming for a bigger contract next offseason, while Jennings received a three-year, $12 million deal.

Uche, coming off a breakout 2022 season, recorded three sacks in 2023, while Jennings performed well in Judon’s absence, tallying 66 total tackles and 1.5 sacks as a key contributor to the run defense.

Matthew Judon Hopeful for Contract Extension with Patriots.

With Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings secured for the 2024 season, Matthew Judon faces his own contract situation that needs resolution soon. He is entering the final season of the four-year deal he signed with the Patriots in 2021 and is set to earn a base salary of $6.5 million for 2024. His modest salary figure for 2024 was the result of a pay increase he received during training camp last year for the 2023 season.

Judon is uncertain about the outcome of his contract negotiations but hopes to remain with the Patriots.

“I think with the contract stuff, if it happens it happens…” he said. “If we can get a new contract worked out to where I try to end my career in Boston, that’d be great.”