Dramatic scene at Patriots training camp leads to Matthew Judon exiting practice
As the pads came out for the first time on Monday morning for the Patriots, all eyes were on Davon Godchaux and Matthew Judon to see if they were going to participate in practice. One showed up without leg pads, while fan-favorite Judon showed up in his casual gear and sat on the sideline.
It was clear the pass rusher was not going to be practicing with his teammates for the first time since training camp began, likely due to his ongoing contract dispute with the team. Although he was present and watching from the sideline, his presence didn't last too long after conversations with Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf.
Judon first had a long conversation with his head coach, which reporters noted Mayo tried to keep as private as possible by using a play sheet to cover his mouth.
Jerod Mayo just had a long conversation with Judon (standing next to that pile of pads) during a special teams period. Covered his mouth with a play sheet while they chatted. https://t.co/IuCwRoUPZs
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 29, 2024
That seemed like a good sign, as the pair presumably discussed Judon's contract status and the hopeful pending extension he has been waiting for. Not much has been released about how close a new deal is since reports suggested the team had made an offer but was far apart from what Judon wanted.
Because nothing has been said since, and what happened between him and Wolf later during practice, it's fair to assume it's not going well.
Mike Kadlick of CLNS Media reported an "animated conversation" between director of player personnel Matt Groh, Judon, and Wolf. Not long after, Judon left the practice field and did not return.
After an animated conversation with Matt Groh and Eliot Wolf, Matthew Judon is leaving the practice field.
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) July 29, 2024
Based on that dramatic scene, it's time to start worrying about what is going on behind the scenes regarding extending Judon. While paying him top dollar shouldn't be an option given his age and coming off a season-ending injury, paying him what he's worth and how invaluable he has become to the team seems more than fair, especially since the Patriots can afford it now and, in the future.
It shouldn't be this difficult to get an extension done unless Judon is asking for a ridiculous amount of money. That appears to be the situation, or the Patriots are lowballing his value. Either scenario is avoidable, and a compromise should be made somewhere in the middle.
The defense needs Judon's production and leadership, so getting him to sign on the dotted line for a fair extension should be the priority at this point. But the way this is transpiring, it seems like that's not going to happen anytime soon.
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