Matthew Judon's social media activity should concern the Patriots
![Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) on the sideline during the second half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) on the sideline during the second half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4806,h_2703,x_0,y_154/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/49/01j3dtjgy2x0jbt2hyca.jpg)
With training camp just days away, the Patriots find themselves in an unfavorable position with two players looking for contract extensions before the regular season begins. There is a high chance the new regime will deal with multiple holdouts this summer, as Davon Godchaux and Matthew Judon have made it clear they want new contracts.
Because he has been more outspoken about his desires, there are more concerns surrounding the future of Judon in New England, especially since he has become a vital part of the Patriots' defensive success since signing with the team in 2021.
His importance was made more apparent last season after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4, and the defense fell apart in trying to make up for his absence.
But even with that known, Eliot Wolf is yet to strike a deal to keep Judon on the team beyond the 2024 season. Reports indicated negotiations have been ongoing, with the Patriots extending an offer, but the two sides have remained far apart. It was a concerning update heading into training camp, but Judon's latest social media activity has become more worrisome as fans hope a deal is done as soon as possible.
Matthew Judon's latest repost on Twitter/X isn't a good look for the Patriots
Along with the talk about keeping Judon beyond this upcoming season has been the focus of the Patriots trading for Brandon Aiyuk, who requested a trade from the 49ers again last week.
Fans have been proposing several trades that they believe would close the deal despite San Francisco's hesitancy to move their star receiver. One Patriots fan posted their idea on Twitter/X over the weekend, a proposal that included Judon and a second-round pick.
There is absolutely no reason why the @Patriots haven’t traded for and extended Brandon Aiyuk yet. @man_dammn
— Mike Brimecombe (@brimecombe25) July 20, 2024
2nd round pick
For
5th round pick
Brandon Aiyuk
5 years $125m#BrandonAiyuk
We have the trade assets and the cap is only going up
Do it #ElliotWolf
Because Judon is one of their only considered star players on the team and the apparent stalemate in contract negotiations, many fans think he would be more than enough for the 49ers to agree to the trade.
Since he was tagged in the tweet, Judon (of course) saw the post, and instead of just seeing it and moving on, the pass rusher reposted it to his account, concerning fans about his status with the team moving forward.
https://t.co/NeFOec3JfO pic.twitter.com/98L3gvCziJ
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) July 22, 2024
What does this mean?
Does Judon want to be traded?
Could he just be trolling the fans like he tends to do online?
It's created a lot of worry amongst New England fans who want to see him remain a member of the Patriots roster. Coupling this with the latest reports about negotiations not going too well, it's looking more and more like Judon's time with the Patriots might be nearing its expiration.
Hopefully, that's not the case, and he's just messing with the fans. It would be ideal for Wolf and the new regime to recognize how important Judon has been for the defense and will be moving forward and giving him a deal that benefits all parties.
Losing their best pass rusher just weeks before the season begins would be quite a step back, especially with questionable depth waiting in the wings. So, let's hope a deal is done sooner rather than later.
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