FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo’s plate is filling fast.
New England took the fields behind Gillette Stadium on Monday, ready for their first padded practice of training camp. Matthew Judon, though, was wearing street clothes. David Andrews didn’t show up at all. Christian Barmore is indefinitely sidelined.
What’s going on down at One Patriot Place?
We don’t have any definitive answers, but we did see what went down at practice Monday, so we have a few solid ideas.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Judon’s contract situation is becoming a legitimate issue.
Judon has made it abundantly clear that he’s looking for a new deal, and on Monday let his frustrations boil over in a stunt that was equally as shocking as it was silly. Judon sat off to the side during the early portion of practice, sitting atop crash pads and watching his teammates stretch in street clothes.
Mayo approached the 31-year-old and had an animated conversation with him as the team worked through special teams periods and individual drills, before Judon walked off the practice field for good.
It was the first sign of Judon’s frustrations having an effect on his practice status. It wasn’t an issue before, though, so what changed?
It could be for any number of reasons. Judon could be trying to avoid injury, as the first fully-padded practice opens up greater opportunity for him to hit the shelf. Jabrill Peppers, for as excited as he was to hit people, left practice early with a left-leg ailment. Judon could also have been peeved by New England’s special guest, as Drew Rosenhaus (Davon Godchaux’s agent) watched practice and spoke to Mayo, Godchaux, Matt Groh and Eliot Wolf at different points.
Could Godchaux be the latest player not named Judon to get an extension?
The Patriots have entered uncharted waters with the entire situation, as Judon’s public display is something we almost certainly never would have seen when Bill Belichick was around.
“He’s out here working every day. His attitude is great in the classroom, his attitude is great on the field,” Mayo said when asked about Judon’s contract situation Friday. “You guys see him flying around here. Obviously, there is a business component to this sport, and he understands that. We want him here, he’s a very good player for us. He does everything we want him to do, so hopefully it works out.”
What a difference a weekend makes.
NOTES
— Jacoby Brissett distanced himself from Drake Maye on Monday, completing 12-of-17 total passes in competitive team drills, and finding Javon Baker, Ja’Lynn Polk and Tyquan Thornton for explosive plays.
Maye was 3-of-11.
— Caedan Wallace-Sidy Sow-Nick Leverett-Mike Onwenu-Chukwuma Okorafor were the top offensive line grouping, from left to right. Leverett subbed in for Andrews, whose absence was not explained as of Monday afternoon
Calvin Anderson-Michael Jordan-Atonio Mafi-Layden Robinson-Vederian Lowe were the unit for Maye.
— Javon Baker, once again, made a few highlight reel catches to bring the crowd to its feet. He’s made a habit of that in recent practices.
— Rosenhaus’ presence seemingly makes it more likely that a resolution will soon come for Godchaux. Will he get the extension he’s been looking for, or will he have a new home altogether?
— The Patriots return to practice Tuesday, before getting a day off Wednesday.
