Matt Judon's desires for a new deal appear to have led to his frustrations boiling over for all of Patriots Nation to see on video.
Judon, who sat out Monday's first full-pads session of training camp, had an animated discussion with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo that ended with a seemingly frustrated Judon walking away from the field. According to multiple reports, Judon also had lively discussions with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Monday that the sides have been engaging in talks and there have been recent offers, but obviously to no avail.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been at Patriots camp, but he wants an adjustment to his contract. Judon has said publicly he feels his current deal, which pays him $6.5 million, does not match his value. And until Monday, he was participating in practice. But with the pads being added into the equation, Judon sat out, likely because he knows he has to protect his most important asset: his health.
Judon's decision to sit on a flipped-over garbage can to watch his teammates run through defensive drills appeared to draw the ire of Patriots leadership, leading to their enthusiastic interaction.
The Patriots have more than $43 million in salary cap space, which is second-most in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. New England has signed safety Kyle Dugger, safety Jabrill Peppers, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, offensive tackle Mike Onwenu and others to extensions this offseason.
Judon's coming off a 2023 season in which he played just four games -- though he recorded four sacks -- due to a bicep tear.