The New England Patriots should not be surprised now that Matthew Judon’s discontent reached a breaking point.
Judon is set to receive a mere $6.5 million base salary in 2024. He’s underpaid for his position, which has seen big money being thrown around. As soon as Bill Belichick gave Judon a cash advance last offseason, the organization should have seen this coming. Perhaps Belichick did?
Judon certainly would not have made these same headlines under Belichick. His animated conversations with head coach Jerod Mayo, which prompted Judon to walk off the field, and then his on-field conversation with executive vice president Eliot Wolf were the headlines from New England’s first padded practice. Judon did not practice Tuesday and reportedly didn’t even show up to the facility.
It’s clear things have gone from bad to worse. It feels like the Patriots have three options: extend Judon, trade him or give him a short-term sweetener to get him back on the field. We’ve ranked those three options.
3. Extend Judon
This feels like the least likely resolution, and for good reason. Belichick capitalized on the market during the 2021 offseason and Judon proved to be well worth his four-year, $54.5 million contract. But Judon is entering his age-32 campaign, and given the Patriots are years away from contention, it wouldn’t be wise for New England to throw big money — something like $18-20 million annually — at Judon. He’s a great player, arguably their best defender, but he doesn’t fit New England’s long-term plan. The Patriots would be better off using that money to improve their offense around developing quarterback Drake Maye. Especially since the Patriots have young talent on defense, specifically Keion White in the front seven.
2. Trade Judon
If Judon desires a long-term deal and won’t play without one — we don’t know that to be the case — it might mean the Patriots have to cut ties. Again, it has to do with their respective timelines not matching up. New England could send Judon to a team needing pass-rush help, perhaps one in a win-now window, and acquire draft capital. Judon might not bring the Patriots a first- or second-rounder — perhaps a mid-round pick? — but it would ensure they get something in return and eliminate any potential distraction.
1. Short-term sweetener
Despite Judon’s antics on Monday, this is what Wolf and the Patriots should try to do. New England has plenty of cap space in 2024. Judon knows that. During a forthcoming and honest press conference on Day 1 of training camp, Judon said he was happy for his teammates who received big-money extensions this offseason, but admitted it was difficult to see. Maybe more guaranteed money or reachable incentives would help Judon’s frame of mind? This would ensure Judon stays in New England this season and helps the defense — and he will help the defense. While it’s probably unfair to think the Patriots will win three or four more games with Judon, it is fair to believe he keeps them more competitive. Given where they are in their rebuild, being competitive in 2024 should be considered a win.
