Robert Kraft might be getting involved in Patriots-Matthew Judon extension talks
![Jan 11, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft holds a press conference at Gillette Stadium to answer questions about former head coach Bill Belichick's (not pictured) exit from the team. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Jan 11, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft holds a press conference at Gillette Stadium to answer questions about former head coach Bill Belichick's (not pictured) exit from the team. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5568,h_3132,x_0,y_580/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/49/01j3ne1bvg8ch36e21ay.jpg)
Despite the ongoing negotiations between the Patriots and Matthew Judon, the pass rusher has been present for training camp this week and has put an end to the rumors of a potential holdout situation. While he's hoping to strike a new deal sooner rather than later, the lack of development surrounding negotiations seems to indicate they're not making much progress.
Besides the latest update from Judon himself after Wednesday's practice, the last we've heard on the matter was a report stating the Patriots had made him an offer, but they were far apart on the money side.
Judon has made it clear he wants to be paid what he views as his value, and fans and reporters believe that should happen for the most part. He has also emphasized his desire to remain a Patriot until he retires, which he stated again this week.
Although that doesn't necessarily matter in the big scheme of things, it does hold some weight considering the Patriots are years away from being a contender, yet one of the best pass rushers in the league (and in Patriots history) is content with where he is and isn't looking to go to another team anytime soon.
Perhaps with that in mind, especially since Judon made some headline-worthy comments after yesterday's practice, Robert Kraft made an appearance near the end of Thursday's training camp and noticeably made a b-line for Judon on the sideline.
Robert Kraft might be getting involved in the Patriots/Matthew Judon extension negotiations
Minutes before practice wrapped for the day on Thursday, reporters noticed the Patriots owner had a conversation with Judon within minutes of getting onto the field.
And he had a quick chat with Matthew Judon
โ Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) July 25, 2024
๐๐ https://t.co/ZSZWSRfoHy
Maybe it's looking too much into a quick conversation, but the fact that the team owner had a one-on-one conversation with perhaps the best player on the team, who just so happens to be looking for an extension and has been incredibly candid about it, seems to mean more than just a regular old exchange of pleasantries.
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry followed up the initial reporting by sharing that Kraft spoke to Eliot Wolf after leaving Judon, which also doesn't seem like a coincidence.
We know how much Kraft likes his favorite players to get contracts he feels they deserve, and because of how integral Judon has become in the Patriots' defensive success, it wouldn't be surprising to hear he wants to see him get that extension sooner rather than later.
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