Matthew Judon returns to practice at Patriots training camp
FOXBORO —Matthew Judon is back to work for the New England Patriots.
The veteran linebacker returned to practice for the Pats on Thursday in Foxboro, a lighter day in “shells” and not full pads. Judon participated in early warmups, stretching, and sprints, which lasted for about the first 30 minutes of practice. More notably, he also participated with the starting defense in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills later in the day.
Judon wasn’t present at team facilities on Tuesday, after a bizarre scene on Monday, when he showed up to the practice field without pads and had animated conversations with head coach Jerod Mayo, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, and director of player personnel Matt Groh. Mayo told reporters during a Thursday press conference that he expected Judon to be present for practice, and that he preferred to keep any further details private.
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“I had a great meeting with Judon, and we’re all moving forward,” Mayo said. “I remember as a player, it’s always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that. In saying that, for the rest of the team, we’re pushing forward.”
Judon’s apparent discontent ostensibly stems from his contract situation. Publicly, he has yet to agree to a new deal with New England. Frustration may be mounting for him, in light of the fact that several of his teammates have gotten extensions under the Wolf regime.
Most recently, defensive tackle Davon Godchaux reached an agreement on a two-year extension worth up to $21 million, with $16.5 million guaranteed. Godchaux was a full participant in Tuesday’s padded practice, prior to the announcement of the new contract on Wednesday.
“I’m happy to have [Godchaux] here happy and ready to go,” Mayo said. “He handled it like a professional, in the classroom, and out here on the field. He was out here in full pads participating, everything. That definitely helps.”
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Judon’s presence at camp could be an indication that contract talks with the Patriots are moving in a positive direction. According to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, Monday’s scene wasn’t a dealbreaker for the team and there’s still a “willingness on both sides” to get something done.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots have made a contract offer to Judon at some point, one that Perry believes the linebacker didn’t consider “serious.” Judon also recently said on the “Shut Up Marc Podcast” that he drew up his own contract offer to the team.
Judon is back at practice, for now. It remains to be seen if he gets the new contract he’s been seeking. We’ll continue to keep you updated on that, and everything else at Patriots training camp, here at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
