When contract negotiations reach an impasse, other teams often start to circle, and that’s exactly what’s happening with New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon.
As talks between Judon and the Patriots stall, interest in the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is heating up, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“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,” Fowler reported on X.
Fowler reports that several teams have expressed interest in trading for Judon as he faces a contract dispute with New England.
Judon is set to earn $6.5 million in the final year of his current deal. Despite receiving a contract offer from the Patriots earlier this summer, Judon chose not to accept it.
Judon, who had a standout debut with the Patriots in 2021, notched 12.5 sacks. He followed that up with an impressive 15.5 sacks in 2022.
However, last season was marred by a torn biceps injury that limited him to just four games. Judon is determined to rebound this year, expressing his motivation on The Money Down podcast.
“I’m out for a vendetta,” he said. “I got sh*t to prove, and I got stuff I want to get done in my career. Personally, I’m on all B.S. all year. I’m about to turn the dial back.”
The ongoing contract negotiations have disrupted his focus. Judon revealed to cbsnews.com that he had a discussion with Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo about the situation.
“We had a conversation,” Judon said. “I didn’t want to be a distraction to the team. So I went inside. I wasn’t participating in those drills that day. I got a message, so I came back and talked to our GMs, and went back inside.”
“I feel like that’s every conversation, regardless of the emotions involved,” Judon added. “Just because we don’t agree doesn’t mean we don’t understand each other’s side.”
While the situation is far from resolved, Judon has stated that if he needs to play under his current contract, he will.
“I got to play, (but) I didn’t say nothing about practice,” Judon said. “I have to go out there and play, play the game. Do what I’m contracted and obligated to do so I don’t lose money.”
If the Patriots decide to trade Judon, several teams could benefit significantly from his presence.
The Atlanta Falcons, who have strong playoff aspirations but need help on the edge, could be a prime candidate. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins are also potential suitors who could elevate their postseason prospects by adding a premier pass rusher like Judon.
What do you think ends up happening???