The New England Patriots seemingly have handed out a new contract to anyone on the roster who wanted one this offseason.
Except if that player’s name is Matthew Judon.
The Patriots not reworking Judon’s contract by the early days of training camp irritated the four-time Pro Bowler and made him see the same shade of his colorful red sleeves.
The contract situation boiled over earlier this week when he appeared to have an animated exchange with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo at the beginning of practice and was sent off the field. Judon reportedly didn’t show up to the Patriots facility Tuesday.
The drama surrounding Judon and the Patriots certainly has the attention of the NFL, especially if New England looks to move the star edge rusher. One NFL team executive told MassLive’s Karen Guregian that with all that has transpired, the Patriots shouldn’t acquiesce to Judon’s demands.
“I wouldn’t pay him now because it sets a bad precedent that if you act out like that, then the team will just give in,” the NFL executive said.
It remains to be seen what will happen if the Patriots take that approach. It was reported Wednesday that New England offered Judon a new contract, which was almost immediately refuted by Judon on social media.
The Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard reported prior to training camp that Judon will not play under his current contract, which is set to pay him a base salary of $6.5 million. Judon was adamant that wouldn’t be the case.
But his actions have said otherwise as he waits for a new deal. And if the Patriots end up doing what the one NFL exec suggested, Judon might just be left waiting.
