Davon Godchaux doesn't hold back frustration with the Patriots

Since Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf took over the Patriots earlier this year, they have made the effort to re-sign their best and most talented players beyond the 2024 season. Instead of spending big on incoming free agents, the new regime put their money toward those already on the roster, rewarding them for their hard work during their New England tenures.

It was made apparent that they are trying to build a young and hungry team, which was emphasized by extending the likes of Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, and Rhamondre Stevenson.

All have been consistently productive and some of the team's best performers over the last few years, but there are two players who remain unsigned for 2025 and beyond, both of whom have now expressed their frustration with the slow negotiation process.

Most of the focus has surrounded Matthew Judon, the Patriots' most dominant pass rusher since Chandler Jones or Mike Vrabel. But another consistent defender, Davon Godchaux, is awaiting an extension, as well, and he's not shy about voicing his unhappiness about not having it done yet heading into the second week of training camp.

Davon Godchaux reveals frustration over his lack of a contract extension

Despite the potential of a hold-in, Godchaux has been present for the start of training camp, even if he's not actively participating in drills.

He spoke to reporters after one practice last week, and when asked about his contract situation, he didn't hesitate to share his frustration.

"I mean, it’s frustrating but I’m going to give it to my agent. I’m going to let Drew (Rosenhaus) handle it. He’s been doing this for a long time. He’s got my best interests. I’m going to control what I can control. It’s frustrating playing on almost no guaranteed money, but I’m going to put it in Drew’s hands. He’s going to do what’s best for me."

Even though he was considered one of the must-extend players heading into the offseason, Godchaux could possibly be one of the last to receive a new contract, making his impatience understandable.

As one of the best pieces of the defense since signing with the Patriots in 2021, it should be an easy negotiation for Wolf, but the process has been drawn out all offseason. Clearly, they are still active in getting extensions done, as just last week, Jabrill Peppers signed a new 3-year contract to keep him in New England through the 2028 season.

A few weeks before that, Stevenson signed his extension, becoming the latest drafted Patriot to stay with the team beyond his rookie contract.

Although he wants to stay in New England, Godchaux emphasized his happiness for his teammates receiving the contracts and paydays they deserve. He spoke about understanding it's business, revealing his hope to retire a Patriot and his desire to get a deal done sooner rather than later, which will hopefully be the case as the regular season nears.

“It’s a business. They can say they want us but at the end of the day, it’s business. I’ve seen a lot of teams say ‘he’s our guy’, but the next day he’s traded. It’s a business, you know, whatever is best for me. I would love to be here. I would love to retire here. My family loves it here, so we’ll see. It’s football heaven here. The greatest of all time played here … hopefully we can get something done.'”

Just like with Judon, it would be for the Patriots to negotiate Godchaux's contract before the season begins to eliminate any possible drama or distraction while also ensuring some of their best players are comfortable and ready to play.

More Patriots news and analysis: