The New England Patriots are entering a new era for the franchise. Bill Belichick and the Patriots parted ways after the 2023 season. Former Patriots LB Jerod Mayo was hired to replace Belichick. The team also parted ways with QB Mac Jones this offseason. The Patriots selected QB Drake Maye from North Carolina with the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The team’s best defensive back for the past few seasons has been LB Matthew Judon. The 31-year-old played in just four games last season after tearing his biceps. Judon is entering the final season of a four-year contract with the Patriots. He’s set to earn a base salary of $6.5 million. As of Thursday, Judon was out due to a contract dispute. The former fifth-round pick wants his contract renegotiated. On Friday, Judon participated in his first fully padded practice of the 2024 season.
New England needs Matthew Judon to stay healthy in 2024
Matthew Judon is participating in his first full padded practice of the 2024 season.
He was captured doing individual training and one rep of 11 vs. 11. @ABC6 #NOTyourself pic.twitter.com/QrbD6GEeiY
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) August 2, 2024
Matthew Judon spent the first five seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded (34.5) sacks in five years with the Ravens. His highest season total came in 2019 when he recorded (9.5) sacks. Judon signed a four-year, $54.5 million contract with the Patriots ahead of the 2021 season. Judon appeared in all 17 games for New England in 2021, recording (12.5) sacks. That was a new career high for Judon. However, he surpassed that mark in the 2022 campaign when he recorded (15.5) sacks and was selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl.
Unfortunately, Judon tore his biceps in 2023 and only played in four games for the Patriots. Judon still finished the season with (4.0) sacks. The veteran LB was eager to move forward with his contract this offseason. He didn’t seem to be getting paid enough for the 2024 season. In five years with the Ravens, he had (34.5) sacks and in 38 games with New England, he had (32.0) sacks. There’s no denying that Judon is the team’s best pass rusher and the Patriots need his productivity. Matthew Judon has had the support of his teammates and coaches throughout the contract negotiations. Both sides are optimistic that a deal can be reached in the future.
