Matthew Judon is one of the most intriguing players for the New England Patriots heading into training camp. The biggest issue surrounding Judon is his contract situation. He is entering the final year of his contract and is looking for long-term security. Currently, Judon has a cap hit of just over $14 million, which ranks 14th among NFL edge rushers. The Patriots must decide whether to hang onto their best player or let him play out the last year of his deal.
Last season, Judon started off strong with four sacks in the first four games. However, he suffered a torn bicep tendon in Week 4 and had to undergo surgery. Despite being sidelined, Judon remained involved with the team and was frequently at the Patriots facility and on the sideline for games.
In the offseason, Judon recovered from his injury and participated in mandatory minicamp. However, he did not take part in voluntary practices. Last year, Judon staged a “hold-in” during training camp to negotiate a better contract. It remains to be seen if he will employ a similar tactic this summer.
Judon’s impact on the defense goes beyond his individual performance. Players like Josh Uche thrive when Judon is on the field because of the attention he draws from opponents. Uche’s performance dipped significantly after Judon’s injury last season. Uche took a one-year contract this offseason, hoping to have another big year opposite Judon and cash in on the open market next year.
There are reasons for optimism when it comes to Judon. He has been the Patriots’ best player since joining the team in 2021. Despite coming off an injury, there is little reason to doubt the player he can be. Additionally, his presence on the field draws double teams, which could benefit other pass rushers like Uche and Christian Barmore.
However, there are also concerns surrounding Judon. He will be 32 this season and is coming off a significant injury. These factors may make it difficult for him to secure a lengthy extension. If the Patriots decide not to extend Judon, it could raise questions about his motivation in what is expected to be another challenging season for the team.
In training camp, the main thing to watch is how much Judon participates after his hold-in last year. There are no doubts about his work ethic and on-field performance, but the Patriots must decide if they are willing to pay him given his age and health. It will also be interesting to see how Judon handles the situation if the team decides not to extend his contract.