There’s been incredible speculation regarding Matthew Judon and his salary situation. For context, there have been rumors that Judon was essentially a ‘hold-in’ waiting for a new contract before participating in most camp activities. While there, his participation was limited to minor activities and not on-field drills. That speculation has finally been put to rest.
“We were just working, me and the training staff and the coaches were just working to, when I do practice, I’m at a good pace, I can move fast the whole practice. So, it’s nothing like that [about the contract]. But it’s more working on my condition, working on running, and making sure I am where I need to be.”
Matthew Judon
Judon, who is usually highly engaged and sarcastic with the media, was himself today. The high-energy, highly personable 30-year-old was clear that he loves playing for New England and that New England is where he wants to be. While Judon wouldn’t specify his specific happiness with his contract, he did provide his highly entertaining and humorous take on his position on the media with a “ya’ll some snitches.”
The reality of the situation for the Patriots, though, is that Judon is highly underpaid. Ranking 22nd in his position according to OverTheCap.com, Judon has an impressive resume to land there. An argument could be made that he should be in talks for a top-5 spot, let alone a top-20. Judon is set to make $12.5 million this season in salary and bonuses. If he maintains his sack numbers and the pace of play he’s had the last couple of seasons; then Patriots fans should be worried if the team can’t correct his pay situation. Judon addressed that idea today during his availability.
“Everything has made it to where I feel like I want to stay here for the rest of my career,” Judon said. “But if that’s not in the cards, that’s not in the cards. I felt like that when I was a rookie. I felt like that my fifth year, but that wasn’t in the cards for me. And I don’t get to choose that. I just get to tell you how I feel.”
Matthew Judon
It’s now up to Bill Belichick and the Patriots if they want to make that dream a reality.
