There’s reportedly plenty of trade interest for New England Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon ahead of the 2024 season.
Judon is playing in the final year of his contract, and the Patriots have yet to agree to an extension with the four-time Pro Bowler. It has led to an awkward situation between the two sides in training camp.
Judon is clearly frustrated with his contract situation, and cameras caught those frustrations nearly boiling over at a practice in late July. The veteran defender has committed to playing in 2024 regardless of his contract situation.
There’s hope that the Patriots could sweeten his contract or offer him an extension at some point. If not, would they explore the possibility of trading him to another team?
“Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the #Patriots, per sources,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted on X. “Judon is due $6.5M in the final year of his deal. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept.”
Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the #Patriots, per sources.
Judon is due $6.5M in the final year of his deal. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept. pic.twitter.com/fEfeNBVxwo
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 12, 2024
Judon, who turns 32 years old on Thursday, is coming off a season-ending biceps injury. So it’s understandable why the Patriots might be apprehensive in handing him a big contract at this stage of his career.
They’re a young football team looking to commit most of their resources towards the future in New England. Judon could stick around as a mentor to the younger players on the roster. Is that worth the big money that comes along with it for a team that isn’t expected to make the playoffs for a third consecutive year?
That’s something Patriots lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf and coach Jerod Mayo will have to think long and hard on before deciding.
