New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Did star pass-rusher hint at exit from Patriots?

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Jul 4, 2024 12:12 PM ET

The New England Patriots have signed several of their key players to contract extensions this offseason, including running back Rhamondre Stevenson, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Jahlani Tavai.

Star edge-rusher Matthew Judon, who is in the last year of his contract, however, has not been given an extension, nor does it seem like one is coming any time soon based on some recent social media activity from the 31-year-old.

A fan tagged Judon in a tweet on Wednesday pleading with the Patriots to “pay the man what he wants,” to which Judon responded with “[I don’t] think that’s going to happen.”

Then hours later, Judon posted a GIF seemingly hinting that his days as a Patriots could be coming to an end.

pic.twitter.com/JVXZYd6wOB
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 3, 2024

New England’s reluctance to extend Judon could have something to do with him heading into his age-32 season and the Patriots not wanting to eat up large chunks of cap space on aging players as they begin a rebuild.

Judon is also coming off an injury-shortened 2023 season in which a torn biceps injury limited him to just four games — though he was effective in his brief run, logging 16 pressures, seven hurries, five tackles for loss and four sacks in those appearances.

Judon is in the final season of a four-year, $56 million deal he signed with the Patriots in 2021. The team got plenty of return on its investment during the first two seasons of the contract when Judon totaled 132 pressures, 75 hurries, 28 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, 26 QB hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, per Pro Football Focus.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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