Patriots Rumors: Matthew Judon to Report to Training Camp amid Contract Negotiations

New England Patriots veteran linebacker Matthew Judon is reportedly engaged in contract talks as he enters the final year of his current deal, but he's not letting it affect his commitment to the team.

Per Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Judon is planning to participate in training camp amid his ongoing contract negotiations.

Judon has the highest cap hit on the Patriots for the 2024 season at $14.6 million, but his base salary is just $6.5 million, per Spotrac. Henry McKenna of Fox Sports reported earlier this month that New England extended a contract offer to Judon, but the sides were "not currently close to agreeing to a new deal."

Judon, who will turn 32 on Aug. 15, is coming off a lost season in 2023 in which he was limited to four games after suffering a torn lower bicep. The four-time Pro Bowler had recorded a career-high 15.5 sacks during the 2022 campaign.

In addition to Judon waiting for a new deal, defensive lineman Davon Godchaux is also entering the final year of his contract with the Patriots and is reportedly seeking an extension. Godchaux joined Judon in reporting for training camp, and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo expressed optimism over New England's chances to keep them happy.

"Look, the relationship is still good, at least from my perspective," Mayo said Tuesday, per Khari Thompson of Boston.com. "I know that their teammates definitely respect them. Those are valuable pieces of this organization and they've done a lot for us. Hopefully we can get something done and those guys are here. I want them here, Eliot [Wolf] wants them here, the team wants them here. There is a business aspect to everything though."

The Patriots have some work to do if they hope to keep Judon and Godchaux in the fold for the foreseeable future, but reporting to training camp is a sign that things are moving in a positive direction.