Patriots to extend DT Davon Godchaux

The Patriots’ extension binge continues. One of the two disgruntled defenders who had not been participating fully at practice, Davon Godchaux, has agreed to terms on a second Pats extension.

Godchaux, who had previously signed a New England re-up in 2022, will now be tied to a two-year, $16.5M deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 

Joining Matt Judon in recently angling for a new contract, Godchaux can earn up to $21M on his third Patriots agreement. This contract ties the veteran defensive tackle to the team through the 2026 season.

Although Godchaux did not participate in Patriots minicamp, he was not a full-on hold-in at training camp. The former Dolphins starter had participated in some drills since camp opened, creating a far less contentious contract situation compared to Judon’s. The latter has gone from practicing to holding in to missing practice due to contract frustration. It will be worth wondering how yet another Patriots payment will affect Judon, a free agent after this season.

For those keeping track, the Patriots have now either re-signed or extended Christian Barmore ($21M per year), Michael Onwenu ($19M AAV), Kyle Dugger ($14.5M), Rhamondre Stevenson ($9M), Hunter Henry ($9M) and Jabrill Peppers ($8.3M). They also re-upped Kendrick Bourne in free agency, giving the veteran wide receiver a $6.5M-per-year accord. This is a remarkable turn of events — not only due to the Pats’ Bill Belichick-era past but after a 4-13 season.

While Judon is coming off a season-ending injury suffered early in Belichick’s finale, Godchaux has been a durable component of strong defenses. He has not missed a game as a Patriot, operating as a steady nose tackle in three years since relocating from Miami. Known for his work against the run, Godchaux now has security going into his age-30 season. He made 56 tackles (two for loss) last season.

Godchaux’s presence suddenly became more important after news about Barmore’s blood clot issue surfaced. The former has operated more as a run-stuffer, with the latter leading the 2023 Pats in sacks (8.5). 

Jerod Mayo referred to Godchaux as one of the team’s best players. Although Pro Football Focus was not high on Godchaux’s 2023 work, rating him 102nd among interior D-linemen, the Patriots disagree and will pay him once again. This follows Godchaux’s two-year, $20.8M agreement that came to pass two summers ago.

It will be interesting to see how the Judon impasse ends, but the Pats have displayed a tremendous commitment to the core Belichick formed. They are betting Mayo’s leadership — and improved quarterback play — will result in a turnaround.