The contract talks between the Patriots and Matt Judon had occurred for a bit now, and they will produce a resolution early in training camp. The Patriots agreed to provide more guarantees for their top pass-rusher.
Going into Friday, Judon’s through-2024 contract contained just $2M in remaining guarantees. That number is now at $14M, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. All of those guarantees come in 2023. No new years are included on this contract, which was originally agreed to during the Pats’ 2021 free-agency splurge.
Judon has led the Patriots in sacks in each of the past two seasons, totaling 28 in that span. The ex-Raven’s $13.6M-per-year contract is out of step with that value, and while the Patriots are not extending Judon at this point, they will reward the oft-red-sleeved edge dynamo ahead of his third season with the team. Judon, who will turn 31 this month, can earn up to $18M in 2023. Originally, he was set to earn only $12M with his $11M base salary and a $1M roster bonus. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, another $500K could’ve been added through another bonus.
So, basically, instead of only having $2M guaranteed with an $11M salary and the potential to make $1.5M more in bonuses, Judon’s new deal will automatically guarantee him $14M for the year. That may not be much of a raise, but it’s an act of good faith by the Patriots to make sure one of their best defenders knows he’s being taken care of for now.
Judon had staged a bit of a “hold-in” to start camp, participating in a limited capacity over the first few days, to presumably send a passive-aggressive message to the team that he was unhappy with how any talks toward a new deal were going. He’s since returned to full participation and with this amended contract, it seems that the situation will avoid devolving into any sort of mess.
Judon has shown he has a desire to stay in New England for the foreseeable future. While this newly reworked contract isn’t an extension, perhaps it serves as a promise of things to come as the Patriots strive to keep Judon happy until negotiations can resume.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
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