Matthew Judon

Matthew Judon said he plans to attend the Patriots’ mandatory minicamp.

Judon was absent from the team’s voluntary OTAs, presumably due to his desire for a new contract. Speaking at his football camp, he said, “Hell yeah, I ain’t giving no money away,” when asked about whether or not he’d be present for mandatory minicamp. The Patriots pass rusher signed a four-year, $56 million deal in 2021 and is set to earn $6.5 million this season, but has more than outplayed his current deal. In 38 career games with the Patriots, Judon has totaled 32 sacks and had four sacks in four games in 2023 before a torn biceps ended his season. Judon will be 32 at the start of this season but hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. While there’s likely some concern over his age and his latest injury, keeping Judon around on a short-term extension could work in the best interest of both parties. Last season, the Patriots gave Judon an extra $12 million in guaranteed money to move past some contractual differences. Perhaps a similar fix is in order for this year.