In a recent statement, Coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots made it known that the team is ready to move past the contract stalemate they have been facing with star edge rusher, Matthew Judon. Despite the desire to continue working with Judon, the Patriots may have an opportunity to part ways with him if they choose to do so.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, there have been multiple teams who have expressed interest in trading for Judon. The 29-year-old linebacker is set to earn $6.5 million in the final year of his current deal, but it is clear that he is looking for a bigger payday. The Patriots made an offer to Judon earlier this summer, but he declined, leading to the current state of negotiations.
With the Patriots facing long odds of making it to the postseason, with or without Judon, it may be in the team’s best interest to consider a trade. As they look to build for the future and develop their young core, moving on from Judon could be a strategic move for the franchise.
Judon has not been shy about expressing his dissatisfaction with his current contract situation. After a shortened season where he only appeared in four games, following a standout performance in 2022 where he notched 15.5 sacks, it’s clear that Judon is eager for a new deal that reflects his value as a top pass rusher.
Throughout his career, Judon has been a force on the field, racking up an impressive 66.5 sacks, 87 tackles for loss, and 165 quarterback hits in 144 games for both the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. His track record as a disruptive force on defense makes him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
As the Patriots weigh their options and consider the future of their roster, it will be interesting to see how the situation with Judon unfolds. Whether they decide to work out a new deal with him or explore trade prospects, one thing is for certain – Judon’s impact on the field is undeniable, and he will be a sought-after player for any team looking to add a game-changing pass rusher to their lineup.