There was potential for drama when it came to Patriots contract disputes, but that won’t be the case when training camp practice begins Wednesday.
New England re-signed multiple players to contract extensions this offseason, but Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux are hoping for new deals. The pair have been vocal about their status with the team, but when players reported for training camp Tuesday, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters the team had full attendance.
It’s possible Judon and Godchaux might “hold in” amid their contract disputes, but Mayo added that he expects everyone who shows up for training camp to practice and compete, which means he doesn’t foresee any issues popping up.
“The relationship is still good, at least from my perspective,” Mayo told reporters, per the Patriots. “I know their teammates definitely respect them. Those are valuable pieces to this organization. They’ve done a lot for us, and hopefully, we can get something done and those guys are here. I want them here. Eliot (Wolf) wants them here. The team wants them here. There is a business aspect to everything, though.”
Judon and Godchaux are in the final year of their contracts, but the Patriots also have other needs they might choose to address, especially if quality players get released due to roster cutdowns. But Judon and Godchaux seem willing to wait things out and hope a deal arrives.