Foxborough, MA: 11-14-21: Patriots LB Matthew Judon exhults as he leaves the fiedl following the New England victory. he New England Patriots hosted the Cleveland Browns in a regular season NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
The New England Patriots and star pass rusher Matthew Judon have yet to reach an agreement on a new contract, which could be seen as a setback for the organization.
According to Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna, Judon has requested a new deal, but despite the Patriots making an offer, the two parties “are not currently close to agreeing to a new deal.”
Judon has been a standout for the Patriots since signing with them in 2021. In 114 games, the 31-year-old has recorded 133 total tackles, 32 sacks, and 33 tackles for loss.
With Bill Belichick no longer in charge, it appeared that New England’s reputation for letting star players go, such as Lawyer Milloy and Asante Samuel, might be changing. Previously known for having little loyalty to players, the Patriots often let stars walk after taking team-friendly deals.
This offseason, the Patriots seemed to be shifting their approach with Jerod Mayo as head coach and Eliot Wolf leading the front office. The team retained Kendrick Bourne, Christian Barmore, David Andrews, and Jahlani Tavai.
The signing of a player like Andrews is notable, as under Belichick, an aging veteran like him might have ended his career elsewhere. Andrews’ contract, worth up to $13M with incentives, is a departure from the penny-pinching Patriots of the past.
Therefore, New England should find a way to bring Judon back. Although the pass-rusher struggled with injuries in 2023, playing only four games, he has historically been a top defender for the Patriots.
If Judon leaves New England, it would indicate that the organization is reverting to old habits, which they can ill afford to do without the legendary coach Belichick.
