Jerod Mayo and the New England Patriots were happy to come to a resolution with Davon Godchaux last week.
"The thing about Godchaux is he’s a huge piece of what we do," Mayo said of the defensive tackle, who received a two-year extension and more guaranteed money.
Mayo's comments regarding Godchaux were a bit interesting. And that's because of the situation fellow defender Matthew Judon currently finds himself in.
Judon, much like Godchaux, entered training camp unhappy with his contract situation. Both players expressed as much in their respective press conferences during the first week of training camp. The difference, however, was how they handled it.
Godchaux showed up and participated. Judon walked onto the field last Monday in a hat and flip-flops and walked out of practice after an animated conversation with Mayo. Judon then walked back onto the field and had a conversation with Patriots executives Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh before he again walked out of practice. Judon did not practice Tuesday and reportedly did not even show up to the facility.
Judon has not met with the media since those events unfolded.
Mayo confirmed Godchaux’s handling of the situation played a role in the extension.
"He handled it like a professional in the classroom and out here on the field," Mayo said. "He was out here in full pads participating in everything, and that definitely helps."
Mayo didn't outwardly criticize Judon at that moment, but it was hard not to draw such a conclusion. Read between the lines, right?
The first-year coach also noted the Patriots' level of confidence in what the 29-year-old Godchaux brings to the table, and what they expect he will bring to the table during the extension.
"Once again, it goes to the point of we want to sign players that we know still have good ball in them," Mayo said.
Did Mayo express a lack of confidence in Judon's abilities with those comments? No. But is it fair to wonder if New England has more confidence in Godchaux than Judon, who enters his age-32 season?
Aside from the Godchaux-related remarks, Mayo also said a few things that felt like pointed comments at Judon. Mayo expressed the Patriots want to keep contract talks "inside the walls." It was a back-track after Mayo said he was fine with players expressing themselves.
Judon's fully participated in practice ever since Mayo's comments, including his first padded session Friday. And there's a chance the Patriots, much like they did with Godchaux, will reward Judon in the near future.
