Matthew Judon squashes bogus new rumor about Patriots contract
The Matthew Judon saga in New England continues progressing despite his recent absence from back-to-back days of training camp. The last we saw of the pass rusher was a bit of a dramatic scene, as he had animated conversations with Matt Groh, Jerod Mayo, and Eliot Wolf before exiting the field as practice began.
Things appeared to have boiled over, causing Judon to skip practice and potentially start an official holdout. However, NFL insider Dianna Russini provided an update this afternoon that seemed to paint a positive picture between the parties regarding contract negotiations for an extension.
Russini revealed that the Patriots have made an offer to Judon since the drama earlier this week, implying that things are moving in the right direction to get a deal done soon.
Matthew Judon was absent from yesterday’s practice because he seeks a revised contract. Since then the Patriots have made an offer, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 31, 2024
This could help move things in the right direction.
As great as that sounds and as happy as the news made Patriots fans, Judon didn't take long to see the report and respond.
One fan tagged him in a post of excitement regarding the news, only for Judon to claim no offer has been made, and it makes him look bad again to even comment on the speculation.
No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again. Don’t believe the lies
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 31, 2024
It's the latest chapter in a string of rumors about the ongoing talks to keep Judon in New England beyond the 2024 season. Based on how many players Wolf has re-signed and paid this offseason, it seems unreasonable that the four-time Pro Bowler hasn't been one of them, especially considering how integral he has become within the Patriots' defense.
It would seem that Judon is asking for an egregious amount of money, and that's why Wolf hasn't budged in getting a deal done. But the number that Judon is asking for has not been revealed, so it's unfair to come to that conclusion unless it's proven that's the case.
Now that the situation appears to have evolved into a holdout, Wolf has plenty of ways to end it, and the easiest way is to get an extension done sooner rather than later. If the Patriots' plan is to maintain a dominant defense, then keeping their most productive player is a no-brainer.
It would be best to get the deal done as soon as possible and, rid themselves of further distractions and, perhaps even more importantly, avoid the new regime developing an unfavorable reputation so early in their tenures.
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