Patriots’ Matthew Judon Reveals Practice Reason; New Contract Talks?

New England Patriots Matthew Judon revealed the reason for his limited practice participation thus far in training camp … and it’s not for the reason you may think.

FOXBORO — New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon has repeatedly made it clear that he is “happy to be a Patriot.”  

However, when it comes to money matters, the four-time Pro Bowler is understandably keeping things close to the vest. 

In channeling his inner Sonny Corleone, Judon refused to ‘discuss business at the table’ when speaking with reporters after Friday’s practice. In other words, he is not ready to divulge any details regarding his contract status. 

“I’m definitely not gonna talk contract with y’all,” Judon said with a smile. “Y’all are snitches.”

Judon’s remarks come on the heels of a report from Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi, suggesting that Judon’s limited participation in training camp practices may be linked to the star linebacker’s desire for a new contract. 

Despite the slow start, as well as the fact that he has outplayed the value of his four-year, $54 million contract he signed with the Pats in 2021, Judon assured Patriots Nation that his practice status is related to fitness, not finance. 

“We're just working — me, and the training staff, and the coaches — to when I do practice I’m at a good pace,” Judon said while donning a red Patriots hoodie. “I can move fast the whole practice. It’s more working on my condition, working on running. 

“I’m making sure I am where I need to be … Then we can ease into things. I’m in my eighth year. I think y’all know what I do on Sundays,” Judon added with a grin. 

Prior to practice, coach Bill Belichick offered a similar precursor to Judon’s revelation when asked about the linebacker’s recent on-field workload.  

“We have different players at different stages of participation,” Belichick quipped, before reminding the media contingent that injury reports re not required during training camp.  

Since his arrival in Foxboro during the 2021 offseason, Judon has routinely proven that he possesses the versatility and adaptability to have earned the spot as the team’s number one player on the edge. The 30-year-old’s on-field awareness puts him in position to keep runs from reaching the corner on early downs, as well as providing speed and strength when rushing the quarterback. In his first year with the Pats, Judon amassed 60 tackles, one fumble recovery and 12.5 sacks. He eclipsed those totals in 2022 — e  a career-high 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles (recovering one), while once again logging 60 total tackles.

However, as impressive as he has been as an individual defender, Judon has also proven to be a significant facilitator for his teammates. In 2021, he was quite effective when reading opposing coverages, particularly the offensive line coverage of the aforementioned Barmore. By positioning himself close to Barmore [thus enabling him to draw the attention of opposing blockers,] Judon was often left one-on-one on the edge to make life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Judon himself played the decoy for linebacker Josh Uche, who set a career-high in sacks with 11.5. Together, the pair formed one of the top pass-rushing tandems in the NFL.

With 2023 fast approaching, Judon will again be called upon to play a crucial role on New England’s defense. Should he continue to build upon a stellar resume, Judon is likely to be the most fearsome defender within the Patriots' defensive front.

Though he is not set to hit free agency until 2024, New England may choose to explore extension talks sooner rather than later — while also alleviating a bit of the $18.1 million of pressure his contract puts on their salary cap in 2023. 

While Judon may not want to discuss contracts with the media, one might be inclined to believe that he would not be opposed to speaking about the topic with the Patriots — enriching himself in the process.

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