Patriots still haven't done enough for linebacker Matthew Judon

One of the biggest stories heading into training camp surrounded Matthew Judon's status as a participant in practice. He was yet to have partaken in any of the defensive drills and remained mum when asked for an explanation regarding his status with the team last week.

"It's more working on my conditioning and running, and making sure where I need to be. I'm happy to be here. I'm definitely not going to talk about contracts with y'all. Wherever that goes, it goes. The market changes every day."

It was then speculated that his absence from the field was more of a holdout situation than anything to do with his training, which led many to call for the Patriots to offer a contract extension as soon as possible. Not just because he quickly became a fan favorite, but he's certainly earned it through his two years in New England so far.

Judon has already broken several franchise records with his performance since signing a four-year, $56 million deal in 2021.

He recorded 60 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 25 quarterback hits in his first season. He followed that noteworthy production with an even more impressive year totaling 60 tackles (again), 15.5 sacks, and 28 quarterback hits.

Because of what he does on the field and his infectious personality off the field, he's become the face of the Patriots' evolving defense. So it makes sense that he would want a reworked or extended contract for how much he has done and how much he is needed to help the team succeed.

Plus, he recently spoke about wanting to be a Patriot for life, saying he would love to retire in New England.

"I don't ever want to leave. I'm finding stuff like this and just making it home and trying to be more a part of the community, so I honestly never want to leave. That's not my intent. Forever. I want to retire here. I'm very comfortable. I love it."

That shouldn't necessarily be a significant factor when contemplating offering him a long-term extension. But it is a positive sign that he is enjoying where he's at and who he's working with enough that he would rather stay there than leave. Considering all the screams of players hating their time in Foxboro, it says a lot for Judon to reveal this.

So when news broke on Friday that the Patriots had reached a deal with the linebacker, most assumed that meant a contract extension.

But they were wrong; he only received a re-work of his current contract that allowed him to earn more money in 2023 than initially anticipated. Mike Reiss reported that the adjusted contract will now "increase Judon's guaranteed money in 2023 from $2 million to $14 million" and allow him to earn up to $18 million total this upcoming season.

Although that's a move in the right direction, and Judon undoubtedly deserves the big pay raise, it would've been more comforting to see years added to his contract rather than just an adjustment.

Hopefully, that will come sooner than later. He is signed through the 2024 season, so there is still plenty of time to get a deal done. But knowing the history of Belichick's unwillingness to pay players what they're worth, there is a bit of skepticism that he will do the right thing and keep Judon in New England permanently.