What to do with Judon’s contractual situation? Curran and Perry argue originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Matthew Judon’s contract situation is one of the biggest stories for the New England Patriots as training camp approaches.
Judon is entering the final year of the contract he signed with the Patriots in 2021. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker is set to earn $6.5 million in 2024 but is looking for a raise ahead of the new campaign. New England adjusted his contract last year, increasing his fully guaranteed money for the 2023 season from $2 million to $14 million.
According to Henry McKenna of FOX Sports, the Patriots offered Judon a new contract, but the two sides are not close for an agreement. On Monday, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard reported that Judon will not play for the Patriots next season on his current contract.
NBC Sports Boston Pats insiders Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry reacted to this report and shared their thoughts on Judon’s contract situation during Monday’s event. Early Edition.
“I think he could engage in what he did last year, which was a gentleman’s work restriction for a period of time,” Curran said. “And eventually he transferred this year’s money to last year. So they shuffled the money around and I think the Patriots are within their rights to say, ‘OK, Matthew, we did this. bump. We spent fair market value on you last year and you only played four games. So we would love to give you a new contract because you are a Pro Bowl-caliber player and an important part of our team and a leader, but we have to somehow negotiate the difference.’
“Would he resist? Greg (Bedard) invited me to believe the player and what he says, so I will take Greg’s opportunity and say that I will always believe the individual in what he says until I know he is a liar.”
If the two sides manage to reach an agreement, what would that agreement look like?
“I think you pay him what he’s worth this year,” Perry said. “So whether it’s $17 (million) or you tell him, ‘Hey, you’re getting older, you’re coming off an injury. You only played four games last year. So we’re not going to let you play for six, but we’ll make you play for $13, $14, $15 (million), somewhere in that range.’ And that might be enough to keep him happy, so he’ll have another bite at the apple next offseason.
“I just keep looking at the team, the Texans as a model. I think keeping someone like Matthew Judon around is valuable for the Patriots because he’s a really hard worker, and from everything I’ve observed and everything people have told me would indicate that he’s that kind of guy who can be a role model. . We know he has a great personality, likes to have fun in the locker room, but he can be an example for a younger team that he has. younger players who need an example of what to do.”
Judon, who turns 32 next month, was brilliant in his first two seasons in New England. He recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 in 2022. However, last season he played in just four games due to a season-ending elbow injury.
Pats veterans are scheduled to report to camp on July 23, with their first practice scheduled for July 24. Although Judon was an active participant in last month’s mandatory minicamp, his status for training camp appears to be up in the air.
Watch the full Judon discussion at Early Edition below or on YouTube:
